Neville was a 'wanted man,' trial told

Steven Neville, the man on trial for murder and attempted murder in St. John's, was a drug dealer wanted for his money in September 2010, court heard Wednesday.

The information came to light during cross-examination of Ryan Dwyer, the man Neville is accused of attempting to kill and the Crown's key witness.

Dwyer admitted that on at least three occasions he tried to help others track down Neville and rob him - once while Neville was carrying $3,000.

Dwyer said he wanted to 'kill' Neville

Under questioning by Neville's lawyer, Peter Ralph, Dwyer admitted that he had said many times that he wanted to kill Neville.

Dwyer said he "didn't mean it. It was just an expression."

On Sept. 30, 2010, Dwyer said he wanted to have a fist fight with Neville,without weapons.

But Neville ended up spraying Dwyer and Doug Flynn - the man Neville's accused of killing - with bear mace.

Ralph pointed out that whenever Dwyer went after anyone, he always had backup.

Dwyer responded that Neville also had people with him that day.

"Those guys were terrified of you," Ralph said to Dwyer.

"If he [Neville] had felt threatened for his life, he could have called the police," responded Dwyer.

Neville asked for police help

Ralph reminded Dwyer and the court that, earlier that month, Flynn and another man tried to get Neville out of a car, and Neville did call the police.

After the bear spray incident, Dwyer and Flynn went after a younger guy who was with Neville.

"So, two guys, 19, go and beat up a 16-year-old," Ralph said to Dwyer in court.

"Yes, for that." Dwyer replied.

The trial will continue in St. John's on Thursday.