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Murder trial witness told gardai he wanted to "beat bollocks out" of driver

Summary

During the murder trial of Gary Watson for the 2010 killing of Warren O'Connor, witness Philip Woodcock testified that he had intended to "beat the bollocks out" of the driver of a Honda Civic that rammed his Ford Focus. Woodcock, aged 34, said he had cut the power fuse in his apartment building to end a noisy party and then drove to a garage. He later returned with four friends, including O'Connor, and a fight broke out when the Honda Civic attempted to overtake the Focus. Woodcock claimed he was not trying to cause serious trouble, denied firing bottles, and admitted he had lied to Gardaí about a knife in the car, calling himself a "scumbag" for that night. He also denied assaulting Watson and producing a knife to intimidate others. The trial is ongoing before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury. Gary Watson pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial witness told gardai he wanted to "beat bollocks out" of driver. Charges or matters: murdering Mr O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on January 16, 2010. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• January 16, 2010 Other
• 2019-01-31 Publication

Why: Mr Woodcock told Ms Lawlor that he knocked on his neighbour's apartment door in order to "protect" himself from a "rowdy group". CNI source report

Case subjects

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

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Read the original CNI report