Stabbed Mr Scotland died from massive blood loss
Victim Michael was knifed four times, says pathologist
BODYBUILDING champion Michael O’Hanlon died from massive blood loss after being stabbed four times, a murder trial heard yesterday.
Pathologist Dr Julie McAdam told how a knife wound severed two major blood vessels, causing internal bleeding to the former Mr Scotland.
Steven Kirkwood, 44, denies murdering the 45-year-old by repeatedly striking him on the body with a knife at a garage in Stevenston, Ayrshire.
He claims he acted in self defence.
The jury heard Michael was 6ft and 17st 3lbs.
Dr McAdam told prosecutor Richard Goddard that the fatal wound to Michael’s abdomen cut two blood vessels to the legs.
Mr Goddard said to Dr McAdam: “It cut two major blood vessels and caused massive internal bleeding,” and she replied: “Yes.”
The prosecutor went on: “In addition to the fatal wound there were two to the left side of the chest and one on the back of his right shoulder, but none of these injuries was immediately life- threatening.” Dr McAdam replied: “That’s correct.”
The pathologist told the jury the injuries could have been caused by one knife but she could not rule out that more than one knife had been used.
She added: “There was a series of wounds on Mr O’Hanlon’s fingers consistent with having been caused by a knife and the probability of a serrated knife having been used.”
Mr Goddard asked: “If a man was seen to use a punching motion towards the abdomen and chest of the deceased, would the injuries be consistent with that?” Dr McAdam replied: “Yes, they could be.”
The pathologist was then asked if a man had a knife and waved it in front of himself and behind himself, could it cause those injuries. She said: “No. You need to have a stabbing motion.”
Mr Goddard then said: “Could a person have caused four injuries cutting bone and cutting cartilage and not be aware they have caused any injuries,” and Dr McAdam told him: “I don’t think so.”
Asked what sort of force would cause the injuries, she said: “Mild to moderate force.”
The trial has heard Kirkwood and Michael exchanged abusive texts in the days prior to his death. Michael and friend Forbes Cowan, an ex-World’s Strongest Man competitor, turned up at midday on July 25, last year, at HK Autotek to talk things out.
Kirkwood was there and witnesses told of a struggle between him and Michael.
He denies murdering Michael and having a knife in a public place and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of it. The trial at the High Court in Glasgow continues.