A Salford man has been found guilty of stabbing to death a man in a town centre fight and causing serious knife injuries to a 17-year-old boy. The case was prosecuted by Michael Brady KC leading Rachel Shenton, both of 18 St John Street Chambers.
Liam O’Pray denied murdering Rico Burton in Altrincham town centre last year after stabbing him in the neck during a brawl outside a bar. O’Pray was also charged with wounding with intent in relation to another man, Harvey Reilly, who was also seriously hurt.
A jury found him guilty of both counts following a 12-day trial at Manchester Crown Court.
Nicola Carter, Senior Crown Prosecutor for CPS North West, said: “This is yet another example of the fatal consequences of carrying knives.
Liam O’Pray had gone out armed with the knife that evening and caused the death of one young man and serious injuries to another.
The CPS worked with Greater Manchester Police to build a strong case, piecing together the eye-witness evidence, CCTV footage, forensic evidence confirming the blood of both victims on the knife and medical evidence confirming the injuries, to put before the jury.”
O’Pray faces a mandatory life sentence for murder but Judge Alan Conrad KC will decide the minimum term he will serve at a sentencing hearing on August 4.
Michael Brady KC and Rachel Shenton were instructed by Crown Prosecution Service.
Full details of the case can be fund online:
For further information on Rachel Shenton, along with other members of the Criminal Department, please contact Chambers Director James Parks or Senior Clerk James Hotchin on 0161 278 8262 or crime@18sjs.com.
Michael Brady KC 
Rachel Shenton