A man accused of murdering the cousin of heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury has made his first appearance in court.
Liam O’Prey was arrested after Rico Burton was stabbed to death in Altrincham on Sunday.
The 31-year-old died after being stabbed outside a bar in the Goose Green area in the early hours of Sunday morning.
O’Prey, of no fixed abode, entered no pleas as he appeared at Manchester Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.
He is charged with the murder of Mr Burton, the malicious wounding of a teenager, possession of a knife, and possession of cocaine.
The 21-year-old wore a grey sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms, and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.
He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Friday.
Mr Burton’s death prompted his sports star cousin to post an impassioned plea to end knife crime on social media, declaring that “this needs to stop”.
GMP said a 17-year-old boy had been critically injured during the incident, and received life-saving treatment from members of the public at the scene.
The family of the teenage victim, who suffered some significant life-changing injuries, has thanked all those who helped to provide first aid that night, the police said. This has allowed him to continue his recovery in hospital.
The teenager is in a stable condition.
A 20-year-old man who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released on bail pending ongoing inquiries.
In his Instagram post, Fury described knife crime as a “pandemic” and wrote “you don’t know how bad it is until 1 of your own!”
He added: “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.”
Steve Egan (60), chief coach at Jimmy Egan’s Boxing Academy where Mr Burton trained, said he was “devastated” by the news.
He told the PA news agency: “Rico was a lovely lad… (he) trained with us for five years, won two national titles, he was a fantastic boxer, a very relaxed and skilful boxer.
“He could (have) gone a long way in the professional boxing ranks, lovely lad, always smiling.
“One of the nicest lads you could meet.
“We are all devastated by this very sad news and really feel for all the family. RIP Rico Burton.”
