Man denies murdering West Derby man attacked last month

Following the death of a West Derby man last month a 40-year-old man today (Fri) denied his murder.

Liam Elms appearing for the first time at Liverpool Crown Court pleaded not guilty to murdering 58-year-old Paul Lavery on January 31 this year.

The victim was found with a serious head injury outside a block of flats on Eaton Road in West Derby in the early hours of January 24 this year and passed away in hospital a week later.

The bearded defendant, who was wearing a white t-shirt and appeared via video link from prison, also pleaded not guilty to damaging a door panel belonging to Mr Lavery and assaulting a police officer by beating, both allegedly occurring on January 24.

Judge Brian Cummings, KC, fixed a trial date, expected to last five to seven days, to start in the week beginning July 29. Elms, of Whiston Lane, Huyton, was further remanded in custody.

There were no friends or relatives of the victim or defendant present in the public gallery for the half hour hearing.

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