Stephen Bates, 41, is charged with murder after allegedly ramming Martin O’Donovan with his car
A quiet Friday night in Woolton turned into a scene of horror when a man was deliberately struck by a car and killed, police allege. The victim, 46-year-old Martin O’Donovan, died after being hit by a vehicle on Stonyhurst Road in a chilling incident that has left the Liverpool suburb reeling.
Emergency services flooded the scene just before 11:45 p.m. on 18 April, battling to save Mr. O’Donovan’s life. He was rushed to hospital, but the injuries proved fatal. His sudden death, so violent and so public, has shocked the community to its core.
Within moments, officers apprehended the alleged driver, Stephen Bates, a 41-year-old man from Herondale Road in nearby Mossley Hill. The following day, Bates was formally charged with murder. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, 22 April.
Merseyside Police have confirmed the case is being treated as a murder investigation, and they are calling on the public for help. Officers are urging anyone who saw the incident or who may have dashcam or CCTV footage to step forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Judith Blease, leading the investigation, said:
“This was a horrific event witnessed by several members of the public. We are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of what happened on Stonyhurst Road. If you saw anything, however minor it may seem, please contact us. Your information could be vital.”
The tragedy has sparked a wave of grief across Woolton. Stonyhurst Road, typically a quiet residential street, has become the site of mourning. Flowers and candles now mark the spot where O’Donovan fell. Neighbours describe him as “gentle, respectful, and well-liked,” adding that the community will feel his loss for a long time.
One resident said, “This just doesn’t happen here. It’s a safe area. To hear someone was killed like that—it’s horrifying.”
As the legal process begins, the motive remains unclear. Police are continuing to piece together what led to the fatal collision, and whether there was any prior connection between Bates and O’Donovan.
In the meantime, Bates will remain behind bars, with his court appearance set to bring more answers into the public domain.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Merseyside Police by calling 101, using incident reference 25000317232, or reaching out via their social media platforms. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Crimestoppers can be contacted at 0800 555 111.
This harrowing case is a chilling reminder that life can turn in an instant. A peaceful street can become a crime scene in the blink of an eye. For Woolton, the scars of that night will take time to heal.
As police continue their investigation and the community rallies around the bereaved, one truth remains painfully clear: Martin O’Donovan’s life ended far too soon, in the most brutal of ways. Now, all eyes turn to the courtroom, where justice for a senseless death must begin its course.
