Accused Sex Worker Denies Role as ‘Bait’ in Drug-Related Murder Plot

An individual working as a sex worker, facing charges related to a man’s death, has rejected claims of acting as “bait” in a murder scheme stemming from a dispute over drug dealing. Rebecca Moore, aged 25, stated that she was unaware Sacad Ali, 24, would suffer a fatal stabbing when their meeting took place at The Ponderosa in Sheffield on March 9. Earlier this year, two adolescent males, whose identities are protected due to their age, admitted guilt to charges of murder and the possession of an offensive weapon. Appearing at Sheffield Crown Court on Tuesday, Ms Moore, residing at Springvale Walk, Sheffield, refuted any intention for Mr Ali to sustain severe injuries or be killed. During a previous hearing, Prosecutor Simon Kealey KC informed the jury that Mr Ali was fatally assaulted by the teenagers with the motive “to stop him from selling drugs in their area”. Testimony presented in court indicated that Ms Moore had arranged a rendezvous with Mr Ali in the early hours of March 9, with the purpose of purchasing crack-cocaine. She testified that while the meeting was underway, she transmitted text messages to a phone line utilized by the boys, aged 16 and 17, to inform them that Mr Ali was preparing to depart. When questioned by her barrister, Mathew Sherratt KC, regarding her reason for sending the message, she responded: “Because they told me to.” She further explained, “They were my drug dealers and I have to do what they say.” Ms Moore recounted to the court that she became cognizant of additional individuals arriving at The Ponderosa upon hearing shouts. “They all started fighting. I was just stood along the pathway,” she stated. She added, “I saw them all bring out swords, all three of them.” Ms Moore characterized her emotional state as “pure shock, fear and panic” prior to concealing herself in proximate bushes. Ms Moore informed the jury that she was unaware of the cause of the confrontation or the potential severity of Mr Ali’s injuries. She denied any involvement in organizing the assault, asserting: “I would never do anything like that.” Ms Moore testified that she observed the boys later that same morning, noting their “sketchy” appearance. “I asked them what they were doing,” she recounted. She continued, “I started to realise it was probably them in the park.” The court was informed of a suggestion that Ms Moore had “boasted” about orchestrating the attack while detained at HMP New Hall in Wakefield. In her defense, Ms Moore stated that she had informed another inmate that she was not responsible for Mr Ali’s death. She asserted that she was unaware the boys intended to assault him, had not engaged in discussions about an attack with them, and had not consented to act as “bait to effectively lure Mr Ali out into the open”. During cross-examination, Mr. Kealey KC inquired whether her addiction would compel her to “do anything” when “desperate” for drugs. “I wouldn’t do anything, but I’d buy some,” Ms Moore replied. The judicial proceedings are ongoing.