A man accused of murdering the cousin of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has appeared in court for the first time.
Liam O’Prey has been arrested after Rico Barton was stabbed to death in Altrincham on Sunday.
A 31-year-old man was stabbed to death early Sunday morning outside a bar in the Goose Green area.
O’Prey made no pleas when he appeared in Manchester Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday.
He is charged with the murder of Mr. Barton, malicious injury of a teenager, possession of a knife, and possession of cocaine.
The 21-year-old wore a gray sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
He has been taken into custody and is scheduled to appear in Manchester criminal court on Friday.
In the wake of Burton’s death, his sports star cousin posted on social media an impassioned plea to end knife crime, declaring, “This needs to stop.”
GMP said a 17-year-old boy was seriously injured during the incident and received life-saving treatment from members of the public at the scene.
The family of the teenage victim, who suffered serious life-altering injuries, thanked everyone who helped with first aid that night. I was.
The boy’s condition is stable.
A 20-year-old man also arrested on murder charges has been released on bail pending an investigation.
In an Instagram post, Fury described knife crime as a “pandemic,” writing, “You never know how bad it is until you’re one of your own!”
He added: see you soon. “
Steve Egan, 60, chief coach at Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy, where Burton trained, said he was “devastated” by the news.
He told PA news agency:
“He could have come a long way in the professional boxing ranks. Always a nice young man with a smile.
“One of the nicest young men you can ever meet.
“We are all devastated by this extremely sad news and our condolences to the entire family. RIP Rico Barton.
