Michael came out stumbling backwards and I saw bloody Rambo knife in Steven’s hand
Garage owner gives evidence at High Court
A GARAGE owner has told a jury he saw the man accused of murdering Michael O’Hanlon with a bloody knife in his hand.
Steven Kirkwood, 44, denies stabbing bodybuilding champion Michael O’Hanlon to death at HK Autotek garage in Stevenston, Ayrshire, on July 25 last year.
Yesterday, Ian Hamilton, 40, who owns the garage, told the High Court in Glasgow Kirkwood had walked in at about noon that day, followed by Michael and fellow bodybuilder Forbes Cowan.
Ian said: “Mr Cowan requested for Mr Kirkwood to come outside. There were heated words exchanged and Mr Cowan attempted to remove Mr Kirkwood.
“Mr Kirkwood told him, ‘It’s got f*** all to do with you. It’s to do with his f***ing stupid bird.’”
The court has already heard that abusive messages had been exchanged between Kirkwood and his ex, Michael’s fiancee Eileen O’Hanlon.
Ian said: “After the exchange, Forbes appeared to back away from the door at which point Michael came through the door and had a conflict with Steven. They were embroiled in a fight.
“Michael charged through the door with his head down and came at Steven. They tussled. It was a wrestle for five seconds.”
Prosecutor Richard Goddard asked what happened next. Ian said: “Michael backed up out the office, stumbling backwards. At that point, I saw Steven had a knife in his right hand.
“It was a large Bowie-type knife with a six to eight-inch blade. A Rambo, serrated on one side.
“I saw blood on the entrance door. I saw blood on the knife.”
Asked if he saw Kirkwood swinging blows, Ian said: “I recall him flinging blows. I was unaware at the time there was a knife in his hand.”
Derek Ogg QC, defending, asked Ian if Kirkwood and Michael had exchanged blows. Ian said: “Yes.”
Kirkwood has lodged a special defence of self defence. The trial, before judge Lady Rae, continues.
Michael charged through with his head down and came at Steven IAN HAMILTON