Murder victim's girlfriend punched by same suspect, court told (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Murder victim's girlfriend knocked to the floor of pub, jury told

2:50pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Barbara Jordan

THE girlfriend of murder victim Wayne Basnett was punched in the face by the man accused of his murder, Chester Crown Court was told.

The jury was shown CCTV footage of Kimberley McMahon drinking with friends at the Grenadier pub in Halewood, on Saturday, December 4, 2010, weeks before Mr Basnett was shot dead.

Michael Eves can be clearly seen walking into the pub, and then follow her outside.

Later in the evening, a scuffle at the bar was also caught on camera and shown to the court.

Ian Unsworth, prosecuting, said: “Eves punched her (Miss McMahon) in the face with such force she was knocked to the floor.

“As she struggled to get up, he tried to get at her again. Thankfully, a customer intervened and Miss McMahon was able to regain her balance.

“The evidence tends to suggest Wayne Basnett’s behaviour changed following that incident and he became extremely concerned about the whereabouts of Michael Eves.”

Miss McMahon had booked the pair of them into the Village Hotel in Whiston for Christmas and New Year, but he was murdered on December 22, 2010.

The trial continues.