WOODS-GARNESS: ENGLAND STICKER IN WITNESS THREAT TRIAL
A former England youth international footballer will stand trial next month over claims he was part of a gang who chased and threatened a witness who helped convict two gangsters of a drive-by shooting.
Bradley Woods-Garness, 25, is alleged to have intimidated the witness after an apparently chance encounter outside a the Zoo Bar in Liverpool.
The alleged victim gave evidence against two members of the London Fields Boys, Leon Dunkley and Mohammed Smoured, both 22, that led to their conviction for the killing of 16-year-old Agnes Sina-Inakoju.
The teenager was shot in the neck as they casually cycled past the Hoxton Chicken and Pizza shop in north London.
During a bail application made today (FRI) on behalf of the Sutton United striker the court heard he had been out with his friend Leyton Orient defender Elliot Omozusi, 22, and four other men, on May 14, 2011.
Prosecutor Adina Ezekiel said the group had come across the young witness, who had been moved away from London with his family mid fears for his safety, while out at a nightclub.
She said: ‘It is not known if the purpose of the trip was intended to locate the complainant, but in any event they saw him and proceeded to chase him.’
The alleged victim had run in the direction of two police officers who witnessed the chase and rounded up his pursuers.
Ronnie Manek, defending said his client had no affiliation with any gangs and had been a guest of Mr Omuzusi at the time of the alleged incident.
The striker’s application for bail was rejected by Judge Jeffrey Pegden QC and he was remanded in custody ahead of his trial in October.
Woods-Garness, of (34) Upper Handa Walk, in Islington, north London, denies one count of witness intimidation.
He will stand trial alongside Omozusi, of (41) Southwell Close, Chafford Hundred, in Grays, Essex, 23-year-old Nash Walsh-Drew, of (20) Burrage Road, in Woolwich, south-east London, 21-year-old Jamal Francis of (35b) Navarino Road, 22-year-old Shane Drew, of (Flat 20) Welshpool House, in Welshpool Street, both in Hackney, east London, and 20-year-old Andre Osbourne, of (43) Baddow Close, in Woodford Green, Essex.
Woods-Garness, Walsh-Drew, Francis and Drew have all been remanded in custody..
Omozusi and Osbourne are on bail.
All six will stand trial at Southwark Crown Court on October 14.
Dunkley, of (31) Kenninghall Road, Hackney, and Smoured, of (2) Hopwood Walk, Hackney, east London, both denied murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and were convicted of both charges.
They were jailed for the murder of Agnes Sina-Inakoju in April for a minimum of 32 years.
ENDS
DOBS
Woods Garness 27/6/86
Omozusi 15/12/88
Walsh Drew 7/8/88
Francis 4/12/89
Drew 17/11/88
Osbourne 17/9/90
