Courts / Dublin / Report

Murder trial witness describes holding friend's hand as he lay dying

Date
2019-02-01
Stage
Trial
Primary locality
Dublin
County
Dublin

Summary

In the murder trial of Gary Watson, Richard Grant, a witness, testified that he and his friend Warren O'Connor were at a party on 15 January 2010 when they entered Philip Woodcock's apartment. Grant described seeing knives and a red‑haired man, and he says he grabbed knives in a reflexive act, later giving one to a friend. He recounts a chaotic scene involving a Honda Civic and a Ford Focus, a fight with Woodcock, and a black‑haired driver. Grant claims he saw O'Connor lying on his left side with a snapped knife between neck and collarbone, and that he wrapped his top around the knife to stop the bleeding. He says he tried to keep O'Connor awake by reassuring him and holding his hand, but O'Connor had no pulse. The trial continues before Mr Justice Michael White and a jury. Gary Watson pleaded not guilty. Warren O'Connor pleaded not guilty.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Murder trial witness describes holding friend's hand as he lay dying. Charges or matters: murdering former soldier Warren O'Connor (24) in north Dublin nine years ago; murdering Mr O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on January 16, 2010. Procedural stage: trial

When:

Case subjects

Gary Watson

Accused

Charges: murdering former soldier Warren O'Connor (24) in north Dublin nine years ago; murdering Mr O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on January 16, 2010 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Richard Grant

Accused

Charges: murdering former soldier Warren O'Connor (24) in north Dublin nine years ago; murdering Mr O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on January 16, 2010 (Alleged Or Contested)

Warren O'Connor

Defendant

Charges: murdering Mr O'Connor at Hole in the Wall Road, Donaghmede, Dublin 13 on January 16, 2010 (Alleged Or Contested)

Plea: Not guilty

Places mentioned

Court Venue
  • Central Criminal Court
Secondary Mention
Residence
Address Area
  • Wall Road
Journey Or Route
  • Wall Road

Topics

Stage Trial Violent Crime

Related court reports

Read the original CNI report

Correction or retraction request

If a fact, identity, locality or legal outcome needs review, email the newsroom with this report's details prefilled.

Email a correction request