A man has appeared in court charged with murder after the death of a 55 year old who was attacked in Bootle last week.
Joseph Byrne, from Litherland went before a district judge at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with murdering Christopher John Molloy.
Mr Molloy succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, a week after he was assaulted by a gang close to Bootle New Strand.
READ MORE: Man battered by gang of youths dies in hospital
A number of people have since been charged in relation to the incident, including Joseph Byrne, Jay Byrne and a boy who cannot be named because of his age. Other youths have been arrested on suspicion of a range of offences and released pending further enquiries.
Only Mr Byrne has been charged with murder. Appearing before District Judge James Clarke this morning, Byrne spoke to confirm his personal details before being told the murder charge would be sent immediately to the crown courts. The 24 year old also denied a number of unrelated offences which are alleged to have taken place in St Helens days before he allegedly attacked Mr Molloy.
Byrne, of Linacre Road, was remanded in custody and will appear at Liverpool Crown Court tomorrow.
Announcing Mr Molloy’s death yesterday, a Merseyside Police spokesman said: “We confirm that a 55-year-old man has sadly died as a result of his injuries following an incident on Stanley Road in Bootle in the early hours of Tuesday, 12th July.
“Christopher John Molly passed away in hospital yesterday evening, Tuesday 19 July. Officers are supporting his family at this difficult time. A post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of his death.”
The other individuals already arrested or charged in relation to Mr Molloy’s death include:
- Jay Byrne, 26, of Leyland Road, Southport, and a 14 year-old boy who cannot be named for legal reasons. They were charged with assault and theft in connection with the incident on July 14.
- A 16-year-old boy who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and a 15-year-old girl who was arrested on suspicion of theft. Both suspects have been bailed pending further enquiries.
- A 12-year-old girl who was arrested on suspicion of theft and two boys aged 13 and 15 who were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and have been bailed pending further enquiries.
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