A man who killed his girlfriend’s brother with a car been jailed for 18 years.
Stephen Bates drove into Martin O’Donovan at Stonyhurst Road in Woolton on April 18 this year after a drunken row between the pair, who had only met for the first time.
The 42-year-old from Mossley Hill had been at the home of his partner at the time Susanne Lewzey as she hosted a celebration party for her mother’s 70th birthday.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that Bates had become ‘seething’ after leaving the property following fracas with Mr O’Donovan in the front garden earlier in the day.
He was found guilty of the 47-year-old’s murder earlier this month and was sentenced on Friday (November 28) to a minimum term of 18 years behind bars.
Detective Chief Inspector Alyson Keenan said: “On that night in April, Martin’s family were gathered to celebrate his mother’s 70th birthday.
“What should have been a joyous occasion instead brought violence and then devastation at the hands of Stephen Bates.
“Bates was heavily intoxicated and others intervened to prevent him driving, taking him away from the gathering.
“Despite this, Bates returned in his car, using it as a weapon to fatally injure Martin O’Donovan, who was sitting outside the house.
“Bates made a significant statement at the scene and it was clear what his intentions were towards Martin O’Donovan.
“Bates showed no remorse throughout the trial, not towards Martin O’Donovan or anyone else so terribly affected by his actions.
“The trial only served to add to the pain for Martin’s family, forced to relive an awful set of events in detail and they have shown dignity and strength throughout.
“Nothing can reverse the events of April, but we hope that this outcome at least provides some solace as they continue to come to terms with their loss.
“Our continued thoughts and condolences are with them today and moving forward.”
A statement from Mr O’Donovan’s family revealed how Bates’ lack of remorse throughout his trial ‘compounded’ the grief of losing their much-loved relative.
“The actions that took Martin from us were deliberate, senseless and cruel,” read a family statement after sentencing.
“Throughout this process, we have seen no sign of remorse from the defendant. No acknowledgment of the suffering caused or the life taken, and lives destroyed.
“That absence of humanity has compounded our grief and made this ordeal even harder to bear.
“While today’s outcome brings a measure of accountability, it cannot bring justice in any true sense. There is no sentence long enough, no words strong enough, to balance the loss of Martin.
“We will carry his memory with us always, and our focus now is on honouring the life he lived rather than the manner in which it was taken.
“We wish to thank the Merseyside Police, the prosecution team and all those who have supported us with professionalism and compassion through this difficult time.”