Man denies revenge motive in fatal Bristol stabbings case

Antony Snook, 45, has refuted claims that he transported four armed teenagers to a location where two boys were fatally assaulted with the intention of seeking “revenge”. Mr. Snook acknowledges having driven Riley Tolliver, 18, and three other males, aged 15, 16, and 17, to and from the site of the alleged killings in Bristol. However, he disclaims any awareness of weapons or violent acts. Mason Rist, 15, and Max Dixon, 16, succumbed to stab wounds on Ilminster Avenue in the Knowle West district around 23:00 GMT on January 27. Earlier that evening, the two boys had been mistakenly identified as individuals who had thrown bricks at a residence in the adjacent Hartcliffe area. Bristol Crown Court heard during the proceedings that a rivalry exists between the Hartcliffe and Knowle West neighborhoods of south Bristol. Approximately an hour before the fatal attack, at about 22:00, a minimum of three young individuals threw bricks through the windows of a Hartcliffe home, causing injury to a woman inside. The court was informed that neither Mason nor Max were involved in that earlier incident and were killed due to mistaken identity. Mr. Snook testified to the jury that he believed he was transporting his four co-defendants to a “safe house” after the property attack. He stated that the boys directed him towards the Knowle West area and yelled “stop”, and he claimed to have thought they were outside the designated safe house. Mr. Snook recounted that he then became aware of a boy, Mason, lying in the road, stating to the jury: “That was the first time I seen him.” When questioned about his understanding of the events, Mr. Snook responded: “I thought they had got into a fight or something. I didn’t want to be involved with it.” He added: “I didn’t think it was something that cost two people their lives.” After the occurrence, the four boys re-entered Mr. Snook’s vehicle, and he drove them to their drop-off points before proceeding to his own residence. “I didn’t realise anyone had been seriously hurt,” Mr. Snook stated. Adam Vaitlingam, representing Mr. Snook, inquired: “Did you go over to Knowle intending the passengers in your car to carry out violence on anybody?” Mr. Snook responded: “No, of course not.” Ray Tully, the prosecuting barrister, questioned Mr. Snook about his assertion that he was transporting four boys to a safe house and had not observed any weapons before or after the incident, nor witnessed any violence. Mr. Tully then told Mr. Snook: “I’m going to be suggesting to you that that is complete fiction on your part.” He continued: “You knew exactly what you were up to and what they were up to.” Mr. Snook answered: “No.” Mr. Tully further asserted: “You were heading with those two boys to Knowle West to get revenge, that is the truth isn’t it?” Mr. Snook responded: “Not at all.” The 15-year-old male defendant has admitted guilt to the murder of Mason Rist but denies the murder of Max Dixon. The 17-year-old has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Max but denies murder. The 16-year-old boy, Mr. Snook, and Mr. Tolliver all deny murder. The judicial proceedings are ongoing. For further updates, BBC Bristol can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights are reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.