Manager cleared of murder plot
A former hotel manager has been cleared of taking part in a plot to have his wife's ex-husband killed by a hitman.
Marc Watson, from Pembroke Dock, Dyfed, denied all knowledge of the murder bid during a trial at Cardiff Crown Court.
The prosecution had alleged Watson was present when his wife Dawn arranged the shooting on the phone. The hitman had earlier contacted police and a conversation in which she said "blow his head off" was secretly recorded.
Watson had managed a hotel in north Wales, although the hotel was not named in court, and had also worked as a catering supervisor at Oakwood Leisure Park, near Haverfordwest. He admitted having a grudge against intended victim Philip Smith, but told the jury that he knew nothing of his wife's arrangement.
Dawn Watson was said to have wanted her former husband killed after he contacted the Child Support Agency demanding she provide more financial support for their children. She will be sentenced for soliciting to murder on 22 May at Swansea Crown Court.
