Hanwell Death Court Hearing

A jury at Isleworth Crown Court heard from prosecutor Michael Mulkerrins, who said the incident took place following a confrontation between some travellers and locals at the Hanwell pub.

He said Mr Mortimer was killed when a Ford Mondeo driven by Ruislip teenager Martin McDonagh ran over him, causing him fatal injuries, outside the White Hart.

He said: "McDonagh told the police he was the driver and at the time he was very, very drunk," said Mr Mulkerrins.

McDonagh, 19, denies a charge of causing death by dangerous driving, and driving dangerously on the A40 at Perivale later the same evening.

His cousin, Patrick McDonagh, also 19, of Kingston Road, Southall, denies driving a Vauxhall Vectra dangerously outside the pub.

Paul Killeen, 39, who lives in Greenford Avenue and is accused of attacking the McDonaghs, denies a charge of threatening violence.

He admitted having a hammer which he kept in bushes outside the pub as an offensive weapon.
Mr Mulkerrins said: "Killeen was a regular at the pub and knew that a claw hammer was outside in the bushes. It was there for his protection."

"That evening he was angry that a group of travellers were using his local pub. He took the hammer into the pub where the McDonaghs had gathered with their friends and he later used that hammer to attack the Vauxhall Vectra."

The court heard there was a background of bad feeling between the two groups and Killeen had told police the McDonaghs had threatened to kill him. A confrontation ensued at the pub.

"Both groups went outside and things kicked off very quickly. Patrick McDonagh got into the Vectra, drove it on the pavement and drove at the others."

Killeen took out the hammer, smashing the windscreen and damaging the door of the car. A member of the bar staff reportedly saw Mr Mortimer holding a kitchen knife in his hand.

Seconds later, Martin McDonagh got into a black Ford Mondeo and eventually sped away, not looking where he was going. He was driving fast and dangerously.

As he drove towards the junction of Greenford Avenue with Beresford Road, Lesley Mortimer was standing at the rear of his girlfriend's Ford Fiesta. The Mondeo was coming very fast with the engine revving.

"McDonagh collided with the Ford, Mr Mortimer fell into the road and was lying prone as the Mondeo went over him inflicting the injuries which caused his death. He died two hours later. McDonagh drove off in the same direction as the Vectra."

Police attending a separate incident in Argyle Road over heard the commotion and followed the Mondeo as it turned into Perivale Lane, a dead-end.

The Mondeo did not stop but managed to drive onto the pavement of the A40 Western Ave and continued at speed until it hit a bus stop and McDonagh ran off.

Patrick McDonagh was arrested at home a week later and his cousin a week after that. The former claimed he had acted in self-defence.

Martin McDonagh admitted driving the Mondeo. The trial, expected to last two weeks, continues.