David Crichton placed an order to kill adviser Andrew Bolden on a website for hitmen after a tax bill ‘ruined his life’, according to a report by newspaper the Bournemouth Echo.
The 64-year-old former doctor denies a charge of attempting to solicit murder and three counts of sending malicious communications.
Prosecutors said the site Crichton accessed on the dark web was not accessible to conventional browsers. He entered the adviser’s name and address before selecting a “kill the bastard” option.
No money changed hands and the post did not escalate.
Jurors heard Crichton blamed Bolden for a £300,000 ($391,000, €335,600) loss and the breakdown of his marriage. Bolden has been cleared of any wrongdoing when the investment incurred a tax penalty.
The court also heard details of a five-year “campaign of harassment” directed at Bolden.
The trial continues.
