Court hears Luke Fitzpatrick was stabbed to death in Dollis Hill by 15-strong mob
Luke Fitzpatrick was stabbed to death in Dollis Hill (Pic: Facebook) - Credit: Archant
Jurors told innocent roofer and his father were wrongly targeted in revenge attack
An innocent man from Dollis Hill died and his father was stabbed by a gang out for revenge, the Old Bailey heard.
Luke Fitzpatrick, 25, was fatally knifed in the chest and his father Bernard, 56, was stabbed several times as he tried to help his dying son.
The father and son had been watching Chelsea win the Champions League final in their local pub, the Ox and Gate in Coles Green Road, Dollis Hill, on May 19 last year.
Later, the pub was “stormed” by at least 15 masked and hooded youths armed with sticks and knives, said Brian Altman QC, prosecuting.
The attackers were looking for a man who had already left the pub in Dollis Hill, north London, to avenge Christopher Walters’ loss of face during an earlier incident.
Regulars at the pub chased the group out but as they reached Alder Grove, they turned and attacked Luke Fitzpatrick who was nearest to them, said Mr Altman.
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He added: “His father Bernard was stabbed several times as he was aiding his dying son where he had fallen.
“This mindless violence led to a terrible and tragic outcome. An innocent young man lost his life and his father had to witness it.”
Mr Fitzpatrick had been stabbed in the abdomen and legs but had not died.
Mr Altman said Walters was responsible for organising the disorder and had allegedly led the group into the pub, uttering threats and brandishing a knife.
Earlier in the day, Walters had been involved in a row with the other man in the street.
It spread to a corner shop where staff ejected the second man and pulled the shutters down to shelter Walters, jurors heard.
Mr Altman said: “Walters did not let matters rest there. He set about exacting his revenge by calling to arms his friends and associates.
“They stormed the pub. These were acts of cowardice, mob-handed and tooled up, to avenge Walters’ perceived loss of face.”
Walters, 23, of Lovett Way, Neasden, and two 17-year-old youths who cannot be named for legal reasons, deny murder and attempted murder. Four other youths deny affray.
The trial continues.
