A WOMAN yesterday wept as she told a murder trial of the last time she saw her husband-to-be Mr Scotland bodybuilder Michael O'Hanlon alive.

Eileen O'Hanlon was giving evidence at the trial of Steven Kirkwood, 44, who denies murdering 45-year-old Michael by repeatedly striking him on the body with a knife at HK Autotek, Steventson, on July 25, last year.

She told prosecutor Richard Goddard that Kirkwood sent a Facebook message to Mr O'Hanlon that morning saying “So you want to be Johnny big baws. Feel free to come to Hammy's and see me. I will be there at 12 today.”

The High Court in Glasgow heard this was a reference to the Autotek garage run by Ian Hamilton.

Ms O'Hanlon said that when Michael saw the message he shook his head. She added: “He was fed up.”

The jury heard they had been a number of texts and Facebook messages exchanged between Kirkwood, his former partner Ms O'Hanlon and Michael in the days beforehand

Around noon Michael and his friend Forbes Cowan, a contestant in the Strongest Man competitions, drove from Irvine to Stevenson to the garage.

Mr Goddard asked Ms O'Hanlon: “Did you see Michael armed in any way when he left,” and she replied: “Absolutely not. I asked if I could go with him and he said no.

“He told me he wouldn't be long, gave me a kiss and a cuddle.”

When asked if she ever heard from Michael again Ms O'Hanlon broke down in tears.

She said: “I texted Michael and I never got a reply and he always replied. I then phoned his mobile and it rang out.”

She then phoned the garage and after being told something had happened drove there.

Ms O'Hanlon told the court: “The garage was cordoned off. I ran through it..Michael was on the ground. His friend Forbes was holding him. I tried to get to him and the police told me I couldn't.”

She said that she and Michael were due to be married on August 15 and that day they had planned to buy a ring.

Under cross-examination by defence QC Derek Ogg Ms O'Hanlon admitted that she was posting insulting texts about Kirkwood on July 23, last year, and he also posting abusive messages.

Mr Ogg then asked: “Before he left the house did Mr O'Hanlon take anything off,” and she replied: “He took his ring and his watch off and he put on ankle boots.”

Mechanic Lewis McLuckie, 26, who works at Autotek, told the jury that as he and his boss Mr Hamilton ate their lunch, Kirkwood turned up and he was followed a few minutes later by Michael and Mr Cowan.

Mr McLuckie said: “There was a bit of an argument between Michael and Stevie. There was a bit of a ruckus.”

The mechanic was asked if Kirkwood had anything in his hand and replied; “I believe I seen him taking something from his waistband. I saw him pull it out and that's when I made myself scarce. It looked as though he was throwing punches.

Mr McLuckie said that Michael told him: “That p***k's stabbed me.”

Seconds later Michael collapsed on the ground.

He added: “There was little blood, but I believe what looked like his intestines were hanging out. He had two injuries to his abdominal region.

“Steven Kirkwood said something like 'You'd better phone him an ambulance.” That's when I saw the knife.”

Prosecutor Mr goddard asked: “Did Mr Kirkwood do anything to help Mr O'Hanlon who was lying on the ground?” and he replied: “No. ”

Kirkwood denies stabbing and killing Mr O'Hanlon, in Stevenston in July, last year.

The attack is said to have occurred at HK Autotek in the town's Moorpark Industrial Estate.

Prosecutors allege that Mr Kirkwood struggled with Mr O'Hanlon, punched him and repeatedly struck him on the body with a knife or similar item.

Mr Kirkwood also denies separate charges of having a knife in a public place and attempting to defeat the ends of justice by disposing of it.

The trial before judge Lady Rae continues.