A man consumed Jägerbombs before fatally striking his girlfriend’s brother in a Liverpool neighborhood, shortly after meeting him for the first time, as detailed in court proceedings. Stephen Bates, aged 42, residing on Herondale Road in Mossley Hill, is facing trial at Liverpool Crown Court on charges of killing Martin O’Donovan, aged 47. The tragic incident unfolded outside Martin’s sister’s residence on Stonyhurst Road in Woolton during their mother’s 70th birthday celebration in April.
The two individuals had just acquainted themselves earlier that day before Bates purportedly engaged in an inebriated altercation and made threats to harm Martin. Witnesses testified that Bates, under the influence of alcohol, departed the party but later returned driving his Ford Fiesta and intentionally aimed the vehicle at Martin, resulting in severe head injuries.
Following the incident, Bates acknowledged his wrongdoing to law enforcement, admitting, “I know what I’ve done, I’ve messed up.” Testimony from Susanne Lewzey, Bates’ girlfriend and Martin’s sister, was presented through a recorded interview with detectives the following day, as reported by Liverpool Echo.
Lewzey recounted the events of the gathering, highlighting the initial convivial atmosphere that later soured due to Bates’ excessive intoxication. She expressed concern over Bates’ escalating drunkenness, which led to a confrontation and subsequent tragedy that left her brother fatally injured. The chaotic scene culminated in Bates fleeing the scene after the vehicular collision, leaving behind a tumultuous aftermath and deep distress among the family members present.
The court proceedings unveiled a sequence of events marked by escalating tensions fueled by alcohol consumption, culminating in a violent clash and a fatal vehicular incident that shocked the attendees. Bates, represented by legal counsel Andrew Haslam KC and Nicola Daley, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder but has admitted to the lesser offense of manslaughter. The trial overseen by Judge Neil Flewitt KC is ongoing as further details emerge.
