Two more men cleared of murdering 24-year old Gary Weir in Glasgow

Two more men have been cleared of murdering 24-year-old Gary Weir by stabbing him through the heart.

Charges of murder and attempted murder were withdrawn against 22-year old John Kelly and 21-year old John Graham at the High Court in Glasgow.

Still on trial accused of murdering Mr Weir in Old Shettleston Road, Glasgow, on August 7, last year is 21-year old Michael Gentles from Glasgow.

Originally five men went on trial accused of murdering Mr Weir, but four of the accused have walked free.

The jury has heard that a fight broke out after revellers from a 21st birthday party at Shettleston Juniors Social Club and another group from had been drinking in the nearby Marquis Bar clashed.

Mr Weir was stabbed in the heart and died. Three of his friends David Shannon, Gary Phinn and James Phinn were also stabbed in the incident.

In evidence, Mr Kelly told prosecutor Bill McVicar that he saw Gentles in the fight with a knife.

Mr Kelly said: 'He was in the fight. I saw him fighting. He was fighting with one person and then I saw him with another person. I think he was just going from person to person. I saw him with a knife. I saw him with it in his hand.

'When he was fighting with people I think he was using it against them.'

Mr McVicar asked the witness: 'What did you see Michael Gentles doing,' and he replied: 'Grabbing people and punching into them with his right hand. The knife was in his right hand. I was shocked I just couldn't believe it.'

Mr Kelly – who has been friends with Gentles for years - told the jury he did not see anyone else with a knife.

He said that he was assaulted and defended himself and then everyone left.

Mr Kelly told the court that as they walked through playing fields Gentles disappeared for a while and claimed that before he left Gentles said: 'Where could I ditch this.'

The jury was told that minutes later Mr Kelly and Gentles were near St Timothy's primary school and Gentles phoned his mother.

Mr Kelly was asked what he said during the call and replied: 'He said 'Mum you'll need to come and get us. I've just stabbed a few people. I think I've hurt them. I think I've hurt them really bad.'

Gentles' QC Ian Duguid accused Mr Kelly of being the stabber and he replied: 'No, it wasn't me I'm innocent.'

He was then asked what happened to the shirt he was wearing the night Mr Weir died and replied: 'I don't know where it is.'

The trial before judge Lord Mulholland continues.

• gary weir