The man who murdered Rico Burton, cousin of boxing star Tyson Fury, and seriously injured another man during a knife rampage, is attempting to have his sentence reduced.
Liam O’Pray was convicted of murder and wounding with intent following the shocking incident in Altrincham town centre during the early hours of August 21, 2022. The 23-year-old was jailed for life with a minimum term of 28 years after stabbing Rico Burton in the neck with a lock knife, causing a fatal haemorrhage.
Murder during chaotic 3am brawl
Trouble flared at around 3am outside the King Pong bar when a scuffle broke out between O’Pray’s friends and Rico Burton’s family and friends. Moments later, O’Pray slashed Mr Burton, whose injury proved fatal. Another man, Harvey Reilly, was also seriously wounded when he tried to intervene.
A court heard O’Pray had been refused entry to bars earlier that night and was described as “erratic” and a “loose cannon”. Witnesses said the stabbing took less than two seconds.
Mr Reilly, who suffered a 30cm wound to his chest and severe injuries to his arm, later underwent major surgery.
Court hears appeal based on ‘immaturity’
At the Court of Appeal on Thursday, defence barrister Nina Grahame KC argued that O’Pray’s sentence was excessive. She claimed his age at the time — 21 — and his emotional immaturity should have been given more weight.
Judges were told that O’Pray’s lack of heavy previous convictions and claims he had not intended to kill Rico Burton should have been taken into account.
Judges agree sentence may need review
While O’Pray’s first appeal attempt was rejected, the Court of Appeal has now agreed to review the case. Judges said there is an argument that the sentencing judge may have failed to fully consider his maturity. However, they stressed that the “high risk of fatality” meant any reduction would be limited.
Devastation of victims laid bare in court
A statement from Harvey Reilly detailed the long-term impact of the attack. Nearly three years later, he still suffers nerve pain, has lost grip strength in his left hand and was forced to give up his civil engineering career.
At the original trial, Judge Alan Conrad KC condemned O’Pray, telling him: “You were a stabbing waiting to happen.” He said the devastation caused by knives was seen “yet again” in this case.
Appeal to be heard after assessment of maturity
The Court of Appeal will now wait for a full assessment of O’Pray’s maturity before deciding whether the sentence should be reduced.
A new hearing date will be fixed once that report is complete.
