Mar 31 2011 by Francesca Elliott, Flintshire Chronicle
THE former flatmate of serial killer Peter Moore, who ran a cinema in Bagillt, has said he must never be released.
Marcus D’Arby, originally from Chester but now living in Salford, lived with Moore for three years while working as a projectionist at a cinema in Denbigh.
After becoming friends, Moore invited Marcus to lodge with him in Rhyl in 1995. They were living together when Peter was arrested for the murder of four men in December 1995.
“I nearly collapsed with shock when I found out he had been arrested for murder,” said Marcus, now 70.
“I knew him well, he was a kind man, always offering to do things for you, asking if you wanted anything.
“I told the police I didn’t think he could be a murderer.”
But in hindsight Marcus admits some of Moore’s behaviour was suspicious.
“He was always changing his wallets and watches, like he wanted to show off, and he was always renting vans and spent a long time washing them out – washing out blood I suppose.
“He used to disappear at night and come back in the early hours of the morning, but it wasn't for me to ask where he was going.
“If I’d known he was out murdering people I would have done something about it. He could easily have stuck a knife in me at any time.”
Marcus was interviewed by police repeatedly after Moore’s arrest. He believes police suspected him of being an accomplice.
“They asked my friends if they thought I could be capable of murder,” Marcus told the Chronicle.
“They thought I was his accomplice, but I couldn’t kill a mouse, I’m not that kind of person.”
Moore was convicted of stabbing to death Edward Carthy, 28 in Clocaenog Forest; Henry Roberts, 56 from Anglesey; Keith Randles, 49 from Chester and Anthony Davies, 40, from Abergele, for his own sexual gratification.
He is now in the process of appealing to have his whole-life sentence reduced.
The Chronicle reported earlier this month that officials in the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg have already promised to consider the monster’s bid – which was submitted with two other British murderers.
The three have claimed their life-without-review sentences are ‘inhuman’ and ‘degrading’, and want regular parole meetings.
If they win, it could see 38 other killers including Moors Murderer Ian Brady and Yorkshire Ripper Peter Sutcliffe offered regular chances to win freedom.
Moore, who ran the Focus Cinema on Bagillt High Street, became known as ‘the man in black’ because he wore dark clothing to appear more sinister.
He carried out his murders between September and December 1995 and December 1995 in North Wales.
“I don’t think he should be let loose to start that all over again,” said Marcus.
“At 68 he’s not that old, you can’t guarantee that he won’t do it again. It’s a fearful thought, him being out.
“I hope and pray it won’t happen.”