Karl Gallagher murder trial: Suspect tells court he wore gloves over Covid-19 fears
A nineteen-year-old told a jury he was wearing gloves on the day of an alleged murder because he was worried about Covid.
Karl Gallagher, 31, was fatally stabbed during an incident at West Cross Shopping Centre, in Smethwick, on April 26, where he had gone to order pizza.
Giving evidence in the witness box yesterday, defendant Tyrelle Harris told Wolverhampton Crown Court how he found out later that evening from a friend’s mother, while visiting their Dudley home, Mr Gallagher had died following the incident.
Defending barrister Mr David Mason QC asked him: “How did you feel when you heard that he’d died?”
More from the trial:
Harris, of Helvellyn Way, West Bromwich, replied: “I was feeling numb. I didn’t know how to feel.”
Mr Mason also asked him: “Did you seriously intend to hurt Karl Gallagher?”
Harris replied: “No. I didn’t intend to hurt him. No.”
Mr Mason then asked: “Did you intend to kill Karl Gallagher?” Again Harris replied, “no”.
The jury heard he was arrested at a property, in New Road, Netherton, Dudley, in the early hours of April 28.
In cross-examination, prosecuting barrister, Miss Sarah Whitehouse QC asked Harris why he had been wearing gloves on the day of the stabbing when it had been a warm and sunny day.
He replied: “It was Covid time and I was worried about touching public stuff. I was worried about unhygienic things.”
Harris admitted carrying out the stabbing but denies murder, claiming self-defence.
The trial continues.
