A man accused of causing the death of his girlfriend’s brother at a family gathering by running him over with his car reportedly issued threatening statements before the fatal incident, a court revealed.
Stephen Bates, described as visibly intoxicated, attended a birthday celebration at his girlfriend Susanne Lewzey’s home on April 18. The gathering marked the first meeting between Bates and Martin O’Donovan, which initially seemed positive before escalating into a physical altercation after both men consumed alcohol.
Allegedly, Bates made violent threats towards the victim, but the situation seemed to calm down after he was taken home. However, Bates later returned to the scene in his Ford Fiesta and intentionally drove into Mr. O’Donovan, according to testimony presented at Liverpool Crown Court.
During the party in Woolton, Liverpool, Bates was reported to have consumed a mixture of alcoholic beverages. Natalie O’Donovan, one of the victim’s sisters, testified that Bates had been drinking excessively throughout the evening.
Following a confrontation between Bates and Mr. O’Donovan, which led to a physical fight on the floor, witnesses described Bates as making menacing statements towards the victim. Despite efforts to calm Bates down and take him home, he continued to threaten Mr. O’Donovan, expressing intentions of harm.
After being driven home by a witness in his own car, Bates abruptly sped off and fatally struck Mr. O’Donovan outside his residence. Despite attempts by family members to rescue the victim, Mr. O’Donovan sustained fatal head injuries and tragically passed away in the hospital.
Bates, who denied the charge of murder but admitted to manslaughter, is currently facing trial for the incident.