A man stabbed the cousin of boxer Tyson Fury in a brawl outside a bar in Altrincham, a court has heard.

Liam O'Pray denies the murder of Rico Burton and the wounding of another man, Harvey Reilly, last year.

At the start of a trial this week the family of Mr Burton cried as CCTV was shown of a brawl outside a bar on Goose Green, which was over in seconds, according to prosecutor Michael Brady.

Mr Brady told the jurors the fight started between friends of O'Pray and friends of Mr Burton, and ended when O'Pray stabbed Mr Burton in the neck and almost severed the artery to his brain.

Then O'Pray slashed Mr Reilly twice, once to the abdomen and once to the arm, Mr Brady said, before the accused was knocked unconscious.

The emergency services were called to the scene but, despite the efforts of passersby and paramedics, Mr Burton was declared dead in hospital.

Mr Reilly was treated for a 14cm cut to his abdomen which exposed his ribs and a large wound to his arm.

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In the aftermath, in a post on social media, boxer Tyson Fury said: "Life is precious and it can be taken away quick enjoy every moment.

"RIP Rico Burton. May the lord god grant you a good place in heaven. See you soon."

O'Pray was arrested and tests showed he was in possession of cocaine, which was in his bloodstream along with cannabis and ketamine. 

The 22-year-old, of Little Moss Lane, Clifton, Salford, admitted the possession of cocaine and the possession of a knife in a public place.

He denies the murder of Mr Burton and the wounding of Mr Reilly.

The trial continues this week at Manchester Crown Court.


This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.