A Salford man who murdered boxer Tyson Fury’s cousin will be allowed to appeal against his life sentence, judges have said.
Liam O’Pray was 21 when he stabbed Rico Burton in the neck with a lock knife after a fight broke out near some bars in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
The seven-inch blade caused massive blood loss to the 31-year-old father-of-one, who died in the early hours of 22 August, 2022.
O’Pray, from Salford, was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 28 years in prison after being convicted by a jury of murder at Manchester Crown Court in July 2023.
Mr Burton’s death prompted his boxing champion cousin to post an impassioned plea on social media about knife crime, declaring that “this needs to stop”.
In his Instagram post, Fury said: “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.”
At the Court of Appeal in London on Thursday, Nina Grahame KC, for O’Pray, said the 28-year minimum term was “manifestly excessive” because his immaturity had not been properly analysed by the court.
She said: “It was inadequately addressed and insufficiently reflected, and we say that is a very crucial ground on which this application should be permitted to proceed.
“The minimum term should have been significantly less than 28 years.”
O’Pray was also found guilty of wounding with intent for slashing and stabbing Harvey Reilly, who was 17 at the time of the attack.
A previous court hearing was told that the actions of officers at the scene were “instrumental” in saving Mr Reilly’s life.
Michael Brady KC, for the Crown Prosecution Service, described how Mr Reilly had suffered “life-changing injuries” as a result of the attack.
He said the aspiring engineer is unable to pursue the career he wanted and must work in administration for significantly less pay.
In granting permission to appeal against the sentence, Mrs Justice Stacey, sitting with Lord Justice Edis and Judge Usha Karu, said: “We find that it is arguable that the judge erred and this resulted in a manifestly excessive sentence by failing to take sufficient account of the age and level of maturity of the applicant, now appellant, in this matter.”
The full appeal is set to take place at a later date.
By Danny Halpin, PA Law Reporter
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