A COUNCIL driver told a jury that 24-year-old Gary Weir was murdered by Michael Gentles during a brawl outside Shettleston Juniors Social Club.

Samir Bouiffissen, 23, was giving evidence at the trial of Michael Gentles, 21, John Kelly, 22, Adam Williams, 21, Liam Stead, 21, and John Graham, 21, all from Glasgow.

The men all deny murdering Mr Weir at Old Shettleston Road, Glasgow, on August 7, last year, by stabbing him with a knife or similar implement.

They also deny attempting to murder James Phinn, 28, David Shannon and Gary Phinn, 26, by stabbing them.

Mr Bouiffissen told the court that he and friends were drinking in the Marquis Bar in Shettleston, that night and left about 12.10am.

Mr Weir and the others were attending a 21st birthday party at the Juniors Social Club.

The High Court in Glasgow has heard there was a street brawl involving revellers from both venues.

Mr Weir was fatally stabbed and three friends were injured.

Mr Bouiffissen told prosecutor Bill McVicar that he saw the fight start, but he and three friends quickly left down nearby Duror Street.

He said that he was told by murder accused Adam Williams that the killer was Gentles, who he knew as Mickey.

This was disputed by defence QC Ian Duguid who accused Mr Bouiffissen of lying.

The witness said: “I got told it was Mickey. It was Mickey that done it. That’s what I got told by Adam Williams.”

Mr Bouiffissen was asked why he had not mentioned Gentles’ name until he gave a police statement on August 18, last year at Cathcart police station.

He said: “I told the truth on the 18th. Why would I just pick a random guy and say he’s a murderer?  I got told it was him who murdered Gary and I told the police the truth.’

Mr Duguid then showed Mr Bouiffisson the statement in which he said he was scared of murder accused John Kelly.

In it he said to police: “John Kelly and Michael Gentles were both in about that fight and others I don’t know. I’ve heard that Kelly is related to the Foxs who have a reputation in the East End of Glasgow. I don’t want to be known as a grass.”

Mr Duguid then said: “There is nothing about Michael Gentles scaring you. You told the police the one person not in the fight was John Kelly because he was knocked to the ground”. He replied: “I would never stick someone in for 25 years for something he hadn’t done.”

The QC went on: “There is no way you would have named John Kelly,’ and the witness replied: “I would have if he had done it.”

The trial continues.