Trial Begins for Businesswoman in Insurance Fraud Case

Emma O'Shea, a wealthy businesswoman, is on trial for allegedly conspiring with her boyfriend, Dean Ryan, to commit insurance fraud involving a £350,000 burglary of her Portsmouth home. Prosecutors claim Ryan orchestrated a targeted burglary while the couple was out, hiring associates to steal high-value items, including rare diamonds and cash. Following the burglary, O'Shea and Ryan reportedly planned to stage the scene for insurance purposes by smashing a window, which was initially left open by the burglars, to simulate forced entry. O'Shea is further accused of attempting to derail Ryan's trial by fleeing to Barbados and intimidating her housekeeper, who was set to testify. O'Shea denies all charges, including conspiracy to commit fraud and attempted intimidation, while her mother is also implicated in the case. The trial continues at Portsmouth Crown Court, where Ryan's associates are also facing charges of conspiracy to commit burglary.