The family of a “loving, caring and fun” man killed when a motorist allegedly drove at him and knocked him down have paid tribute to the victim.
Emergency services rushed to the scene at Stonyhurst Road, Woolton, at around 11.45pm on Good Friday where Martin O’Donovan, 46, was seriously injured after being hit by a car. He was taken to hospital where he later died from his severe injuries. Stephen Bates, 41, was arrested by police at the scene and has been charged with murder and was remanded into custody to appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 22.
Mr O’Donovan’s family said in a statement: “Martin was a loving, caring, fun, and intelligent son, brother and uncle, who would light up any room with his humour and presence.
“He lived life by his motto ‘keep smiling’ and was highly devoted to his family and friends.
“An accomplished engineer and skilled outdoorsman, he was well-read, well-travelled, and full of light, and his wonderfully joyous spirit will live on in everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him.
“We are devastated that he has been taken from us in such cruel and senseless circumstances, and as we process such an overwhelming loss, we take solace in the fact that he will always be remembered for the remarkable man that he was.”
Merseyside Police earlier asked for people with information on to contact social media desk via X or on Facebook ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’, or via the website, or call 101 quoting incident reference 25000317232.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website.
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