A Catford man was cleared at the Old Bailey today

A Catford man was cleared at the Old Bailey today Wednesday
of attempted murder after a crucial prosecution witness
disappeared.

Phillip Edwards, 32, claimed he was a victim of mistaken
identity for the stabbing of Michael O’Connor, 21, in Catford
on July 25 last year.

The prosecution offered no evidence on charges of attempted
murder and causing grievous bodily harm with intent after the
only eye witness refused to give evidence.

While the victim said he had not got a good look at his
assailant.

Edwards denied the charges.

Mr O’Connor’s friend Brian Ivings was the only one who had
a good look at the knifeman and later identified him as Edwards,
who lives above the Tesco’s supermarket, Rushey Green, Catford.

But prosecutor Mr Michael Bowes said Mr Ivings contacted the
police to say he was no longer willing to give evidence.

‘He said he was frightened of reprisals.

There is no evidence
of any force being brought to bear on him.

‘
An arrest warrant was issued to compel Mr Ivings to attend
court but he disappeared.

Police efforts to find him proved
fruitless.

The warrant for his arrest is still active.

Counsel said Mr Ivings’s reluctance to give evidence and his
possible unreliability as a witness made it appropriate to offer
no evidence.

Edwards thanked the judge as he was discharged from the dock.

ENDS