No charges for those arrested in connection with the death of a man will be brought due to "insufficient evidence", the crown prosecution service has confirmed.
James Richards, 33, was found dead by a member of the public in an alleyway between Woodbine Street and Harebell Street, Kirkdale, on September 22, 2021. Three men, aged 22, 32 and 38, and a woman, aged 32, were arrested on suspicion of murder but then released on bail.
Merseyside Police confirmed that so far, no-one has been charged in connection with Mr Richards' death. Last year, the ECHO reported that Merseyside Police confirmed Mr Richards' cause of death was a single stab wound to the abdomen.
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An inquest review hearing was held into the death of James Richards at the Gerard Majella Courthouse on Wednesday morning (March 29). Area coroner Anita Bhardwaj said the hearing was held after a CPS decision came back confirming "no further action".
The ECHO understands that the decision not to bring charges was made in December 2022. A CPS spokesperson said: "Following a thorough and careful review of the evidence, we concluded there was insufficient evidence to provide a realistic prospect of conviction in accordance with our legal test.
"Therefore, as a result, no charges were brought in this case. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of James Richards following their tragic loss."
On Wednesday, area coroner Ms Bhardwaj told the inquest hearing, attended by Mr Richards' mum Louise, that this "is not a court of blame, a criminal court or civil proceedings", but to find out the circumstances of a person's death. The hearing heard that another review will be held on July 19 after a request was made to Merseyside Police for all the relevant information, including interviews.
A decision will then be made as to who the "interested persons" are and what witnesses will likely be called for the full inquest hearing, which may be held into next year. Ms Bhardwaj said: "I will make a direction for Merseyside Police to produce all interviews and all statements relating to the death of James Richards."
Speaking to Ms Richards, the coroner said this was the first inquest hearing since the charging decision had been made, and so the next hearing will hear "more information". Offering her condolences, the coroner added: "We know the circumstances of the death, from your perspective as mum, it must be very difficult."
In the weeks after his murder, James' family issued a statement saying: "A huge hole has been torn in our family. One of our precious ones has been cut down in his prime. Brave, loyal, loving and generous, James.
"For just 33 years he brightened our lives and occasionally had our hearts in our mouths, his loss has shattered us all. Rest gently our beautiful, bold boy."
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