Man accused of Gary Weir murder gives evidence in court
The man accused of murdering Gary Weir outside Shettleston Juniors social club told a jury he saw his former co-accused 'make two stabbing motions' towards him.
Michael Gentles, 21, claimed he saw John Kelly, 22, fight with Mr Weir in the street then make the gestures towards him.
He alleged Mr Kelly then 'threw something' as they ran away after the alleged murder on Old Shettleston Road.
Gentles denied being the person responsible for Mr Weir's death and said 'I'm telling the truth today'.
Charges were withdrawn against former co-accused Mr Kelly, John Graham, Liam Stead and Adam Williams, all 21, earlier in the trial.
Gentles, from Baillieston, Glasgow is the only person on trial for the alleged murder of Mr Weir on August 7, last year outside Shettleston Juniors social club.
The court heard Gentles was in a larger group of people who were outside the social club when a group came out singing Celtic songs.
In evidence Gentles said 'the atmosphere changed' and he thinks it was because a cigarette was flicked at somebody.
He said he saw Mr Kelly and Mr Weir meet in the middle of the street.
Defence QC Ian Duguid asked: 'Did you see Gary Weir come up to John Kelly quickly?' and Gentles replied: 'Yes.'
He told the court: 'They just kind of went head to head at each other, there was a wee push and shove, that's when Gary punched him, knocked him on to the ground.'
Gentles said he was 'scuffling' when Mr Kelly was knocked to the ground and said: 'That's when I saw John make two stabbing motions towards his chest.'
He further described it as 'two poking motions' and said it 'didn't look like a punch'.
Gentles said that was when he was attacked again and continued to fight for a couple of seconds.
The court heard he saw Mr Weir 'slumped over on the pavement' and ran down nearby Duror Street with others.
He claimed Mr Kelly ran with him and 'threw something' but that he couldn't see what it was.
Gentles said he separated from the group then flagged a taxi down and went home.
Jurors heard the following day Mr Kelly went to Gentles' house and told him he had 'already warned' others.
He said: 'I think he knew I seen him throw whatever he flung and seen him do what he done to Gary.'
Mr Duguid put to Gentles that Mr Kelly was threatening, and he agreed.
Under cross-examination by advocate depute Bill McVicar, Gentles denied any stabbings.
Mr McVicar said: 'You stabbed Gary Weir in the side of his chest and the stab wound penetrated his heard and his lung.'
Gentles replied: 'No.'
It was suggested that he 'ditched the knife and then phoned his mum', which he denied.
Mr McVicar asked: 'You're not telling lies to the ladies and gentlemen about your conduct because you don't want to get done?'
Gentles said: 'No, I'm telling the truth today.'
He denies the charges and the trial before Lord Mulholland continues.