Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Murder Trial Opens Over Birthday-Party Death of Martin O'Donovan in Liverpool

Prosecutors told jurors he acted with intent to inflict lethal harm.

Overview

  • Stephen Bates, 42, has pleaded guilty to manslaughter but denies murder at Liverpool Crown Court.
  • The prosecution says he returned in a Ford Fiesta and drove straight at Mr O'Donovan outside his sister's home in Woolton.
  • Jurors heard that Bates was extremely intoxicated and had issued threats during a 12-minute car journey earlier that night.
  • Evidence presented included injuries consistent with being run over at least once and statements he made to police at the scene.
  • The incident followed a drunken altercation at a 70th birthday gathering, and the trial is expected to last up to three weeks.