Action Asbestos Demolition and Roofing owner David Michael Scofield sued over Welshpool yard where Kayla Halnan was killed

The owner of a Welshpool industrial yard where a young woman was shot dead has allegedly refused to allow liquidators access to the property. Police allege Kayla Rose Halnan, 26, was murdered at David Michael Scofield’s demolition business Action Asbestos Demolition and Roofing on August 13. Liquidators are now suing Mr Scofield, claiming that “despite multiple requests”, he has “failed, neglected and or refused to deliver up possession of the premises to the liquidators”. In a writ filed in the Supreme Court, it was also alleged Mr Scofield had “refused to grant access to the liquidators ... to take possession of the premises and property of the company and to change the locks to the premises”. According to the writ, Mr Scofield defied an order to hand over the property immediately by 4pm on Friday. The writ was filed on Tuesday. “The defendant ... has trespassed on the premises and continues to refuse to comply with the liquidators’ reasonable requests,” the legal document alleges. The liquidators are seeking a declaration that Mr Scofield is not entitled to be at the premises without permission, and an injunction “restraining” him from entering on the premises and stopping liquidators from doing so. Mr Scofield, 44, who owns a $3.28 million Applecross mansion, is also facing charges of attempting to pervert the course of justice over allegations he knowingly gave a false statement to police about Ms Halnan’s alleged murder. He was one of two men taken into police custody and questioned but was later released without charge in relation to Ms Halnan’s alleged murder. On Wednesday, Vencent Stephen Caruana, 35, pleaded not guilty to the killing and will face trial. It is understood Ms Halnan was known to Mr Caruana, a former boxer and one-time State light heavyweight champion. He arrived at Mr Scofield’s business on the afternoon of the alleged murder for a meeting and invited Ms Halnan to the premises that evening. Police allege Mr Scofield knowingly gave a false statement to police between August 13 and October 9 relation to the murder investigation. He denies that allegation. Mr Scofield was allegedly found in possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell or supply — a charge he also denies — and possessing two smoking implements on October 9.