Pictures have emerged of the 21-year-old man in court charged with the murder of Tyson Fury’s cousin.
Liam O’Prey has been charged with murdering Fury’s cousin Rico Burton, 31, in an attack outside a bar in Altrincham at the weekend as well as critically injuring a 17-year-old boy in the incident.
Mr O’Prey has also been charged with malicious wounding of a teen and drug possession by police.
Promising boxer Burton was stabbed to death outside a bar in the Goose Green area of Altrincham in the early hours of Sunday morning, with police and paramedics rushing to the scene of the incident.
Mr O’Prey entered no pleas as he appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
He has been remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.
The defendant appeared in court facing four charges relating to the incident that resulted in the death of Burton, who is understood to have been enjoying a night out with friends when he was allegedly knifed in a “spontaneous” and “unplanned” attack.
Mr O’Prey is accused of murder, unlawful wounding with intention to cause grievous bodily harm, possession of a bladed article, namely a knife, and possession of cocaine.
The defendant appeared in court wearing a grey prison tracksuit and only spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and that he had no fixed address.
On Sunday (August 21), Fury took to social media to write: “This is becoming ridiculous idiots carry knives.
“This needs to stop ASAP. UK government needs to bring higher sentencing for knife crime, it’s a pandemic and you don’t know how bad it is until it’s one of your own!
“Life is very precious and it can be taken away very quick enjoy every moment. RIP RICO BURTON. May the lord God grant you a good place in heaven. see you soon.”
Fury has since shared an emotional tribute video to Rico put together by his cousin’s old gym, Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy, which featured a series of pictures of him in action and a 10-bell salute.