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4th August 2023
12:48pm BST
A man found guilty of murdering the cousin of Tyson Fury has been named and jailed for life.
Liam O'Pray, 22, stabbed Rico Burton, 31, in the neck with a seven-inch lock-knife during the early hours of August 22 following an altercation outside a bar in Altrincham.
After the news of his death was confirmed, Fury paid tribute to his family member on social media, saying: "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."
Relatives of Burton cheered after O'Pray was found guilty by a jury of murder on Friday (August 4) by a jury of seven women and five men after three and a half hours of deliberations.
CCTV footage was shown to those present at Manchester Crown Court throughout the three-week trial which showed that a fight had broken out between the defendant's friends and Mr Burton's family and friends at Goose Green.
O'Pray had been denied entry into the bar and was heard telling security on shift that he was professional boxer and would be back to "cause him an issue".
One witness present said that O'Pray, who had a previous conviction for having a knife in public in 2019, described him as a "loose cannon" while the 22-year-old said he is "not a violent person".
Cannabis, cocaine and ketamine were found in his blood and he had three wraps of cocaine on him when he was arrested.
He was also found guilty of wounding with intent by slashing and stabbing Harvey Reilly, 18, in the same incident.
O'Pray faces a mandatory life sentence for murder but Judge Alan Conrad KC will decide the minimum term he will serve at a sentencing hearing on August 4.
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