Connor Chapman has told a jury that he felt like a changed man following his latest release from prison, but admits having become a cocaine dealer once he was freed.
The 23-year-old is currently standing trial at Liverpool Crown Court accused of murdering Elle Edwards, who was shot dead aged 26 outside the Lighthouse pub in Wallasey, Wirral, on Christmas Eve last year. The alleged gunman was called to give evidence from the witness box this afternoon, Tuesday, at the beginning of his defence case.
On the stand, Chapman confessed that he "wasn't the best person" after amassing a string of convictions as a juvenile and a young adult. However, he said he had "definitely calmed down" after his last spell behind bars - during which time his first child was born - although his involvement in crime continued, having also been part of a team of burglars who carried out a break-in which is said to have been a "precursor event" leading up to the fatal shooting.
