On April 16, 2022, 18-year-old Michael Toohey was brutally beaten to death inside an internet café located on London Road, Liverpool. Paramedics rushed Michael to hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A post-mortem examination confirmed that he died from multiple, severe injuries.
Initially, nine suspects were charged with Michael’s murder. All pleaded not guilty during the trial at Liverpool Crown Court in November 2023. However, in January 2024, five of the accused were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
The five sentenced are:
- Kieran Williams, 28, no fixed address – life sentence with a minimum of 18 years to serve
- Anthony Williams, 32, Hillbrook Drive, Walton – life sentence with a minimum of 18 years
- Michael Williams, 25, Carlake Grove, Walton – life sentence with a minimum of 18 years
- Steven McInerney, 34, no fixed address – life sentence with a minimum of 18 years
- A 14-year-old boy (name withheld) – life sentence with a minimum of 8 years in a young offenders institute
His Honour Judge David Aubrey KC commended Merseyside Police for their thorough and complex investigation that led to the convictions.
The family of Michael Toohey released a heartfelt tribute, stating: “On 16th April 2022, our young child Michael Toohey was brutally beaten to death. We received a phone call and rushed to the scene; we saw something that will haunt us forever. Michael was motionless, paramedics performing CPR, our mother begging for his life. Michael was just 18, the youngest in our family, with a baby on the way. He was turning his life around, moving into a new home with his partner and working hard. He had bright hopes and dreams for the future. He was a loving son and devoted brother. His death has shattered us. Our mother now battles PTSD and anxiety, often unable to leave her bed. Michael’s partner now faces raising their child alone — baby Michael Jr will grow up never knowing his dad. The father-son moments stolen away by senseless violence.”
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen McGrath expressed condolences and reaffirmed the police commitment to reducing violence in the community. He said: “Our hearts go out to Michael’s devastated family. This conviction was possible thanks to the dedication of Merseyside Police and the public’s help throughout the investigation. Michael was attacked after boarding a bus to meet friends. He was chased and viciously beaten inside an internet café.
“Our work through Operation Target and the Violence Reduction Partnership is making a difference — serious violence is down 15.5%, knife crime down nearly 20%, with fewer life-changing assaults. But the fight isn’t over.
“We urge anyone with information to come forward. Violence has no place on our streets. Those who choose this path must accept responsibility.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
