Two key witnesses have failed to give evidence in Dollis Hill murder trial

Luke Fitzpatrick had been at the Ox and Gate pub before he was killed (Image: Archant)

Two witnesses have failed to give evidence in the trial of three men for the murder of a roofer in Dollis Hill, a court heard.

Luke Fitzpatrick, 25, was stabbed to death after a gang of youths tried to storm the Ox and Gate pub in Coles Green Road, near his home, on May 19 last year.

His father Bernard Fitzpatrick, 56, was also stabbed as he tried to tend to his dying son.

The attack was carried out after Christopher Walters, 23, of Lovett Way, Neasden, was ‘humiliated’ at a nearby shop, it is claimed.

CCTV cameras captured Walters scuffling with Christopher McNeela in the shop at around 10.15pm.

Walters threatened to ‘shut down’ the Ox and Gate and called up a 15-strong armed mob, the court heard.

Jurors heard that Mr McNeela was in New Zealand and ‘could not get time off work’.

He had previously told police that he got into a row with a group of 10 black youths outside the shop.

Another witness, who made a 999 call during the fight in the shop, was in Pakistan and could not return to the UK, jurors were told.

Mr Fitzpatrick was one of a group of drinkers who chased the group up the road into Alder Grove, it is claimed.

As he turned the corner he was stabbed.

Jurors were also read further admissions relating to mobile phones and police searches as the prosecution case reached its closing stages.

Walters and two 17-year-olds from Mill Hill and Cricklewood, deny murder, attempted murder and the lesser alternative of wounding with intent.

Walters admits violent disorder but the two 17 year-olds deny the charge.

Four others also deny violent disorder relating to the attack on the pub.

The trial, which will last until next month, continues.