From Celebration to Tragedy: A Birthday Party's Deadly Turn
A mother's 70th birthday celebration in Woolton, Merseyside, descended into horror, culminating in the murder of her son, Martin O'Donovan, 47. What began as a rare family visit from Birmingham ended in tragedy just hours after Martin struck up a seemingly instant friendship with his sister's new boyfriend.
A 'Bromance' Forged and Shattered
The party, held on April 18 of this year, was a lively affair with a buffet, music, and drinks. It was here that Martin O'Donovan met Stephen Bates, his sister Susanne Lewzey's boyfriend of 19 months, for the first time. Bonding over vodka, Red Bull, and Jagerbombs, the two men quickly developed what partygoers described as a 'bromance'. Bates even turned to his girlfriend during the festivities and declared, "I love your brother. He's great."
However, the mood shifted dramatically. Bates, who had been drinking since mid-afternoon, was visibly intoxicated by 10pm. When Susanne gently suggested he slow down and drink some water, he took offence, leading to a heated argument. Despite her attempts to calm him and order him a taxi, Bates insisted on leaving, attempting to drive himself home despite living over an hour's walk away.
The Fight and the Fatal Threat
Susanne, with Martin's help, intervened to stop Bates from driving. Initially, Martin managed to calm the situation, but it swiftly escalated into a violent physical confrontation in the garden. Ring doorbell footage captured the two men exchanging punches on the driveway before wrestling on the ground. After they were separated, Bates hurled abuse at the family, shouting, "You're all c***s" and "I'm getting my car, no one's f***ing telling me."
In a bid to defuse the situation, another sister, Natalie O'Donovan, offered to drive Bates home in his own car. During that short journey, Bates made a chilling threat, telling Natalie: "I'm gonna kill your brother... I'm gonna pay someone to come and get your brother. He's getting it."
The Deadly Return
After being dropped off near his home, Bates did not stay put. Instead, he jumped back into his car and returned to the party scene just five minutes later. He found Martin sitting alone on the garden wall. Susanne, who had just stepped outside, witnessed the horrifying climax.
Bates drove his car directly at Martin, running him over at full speed. Susanne described banging on the car window, screaming for him to stop as Martin lay face down under the vehicle. She eventually managed to open the door and remove the keys, after which Bates fled the scene on foot.
Despite the efforts of paramedics, Martin O'Donovan suffered two cardiac arrests and was pronounced dead at 4.32am the following morning. Bates called emergency services seven minutes after the collision, stating, "I've ran somebody over. I don't know whether they're f***ing dead or alive." He was quickly arrested by police.
Justice Served
At Liverpool Crown Court, the case reached its conclusion. Bates described the earlier fight as a "drunken brawl" and claimed Martin had hit him first. However, on Monday, a jury found Stephen Bates guilty of murder. He is awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for later this month, bringing a sombre close to a family celebration that ended in unimaginable loss.
