Man sentenced to a minimum term of 28 years for the murder of Rico Burton - cousin of Tyson Fury

Today (Friday 4 August 2023), following an investigation by Greater Manchester Police (GMP) Major Incident Team, Liam O’Pray (15/09/2000) has been sentenced to a minimum term of 28 years for the murder of Rico Burton.

The investigation was launched on Sunday 21 August 2022, after officers responded to reports that a 31-year-old man and a 17-year-old male had been stabbed outside a bar in Goose Green, Altrincham.

The men who had suffered severe injuries were given first aid by members of the public before emergency services arrived on the scene and took over.

They were then taken immediately to hospital for treatment but a short time later the 31-year-old man tragically passed away because of his injuries. He was later identified as Rico Burton – cousin of Tyson Fury.

Liam O’Pray, then 21-years-old, was arrested at the scene and another 20-year-old male was arrested later that day, although the 20-year-old was later released on bail.

On Tuesday 23 August 2022, Liam O’Pray was charged with the murder of Rico Burton, section 18 assault, possession of a bladed article and possession of Class A drug.

He appeared at Salford Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to possessing an offensive weapon and class a drug, however he pleaded not guilty to murder.

Liam O’Pray has now been sentenced to a minimum term of 28 years for murder. He was also sentenced for grievous bodily harm, possession of drugs and possession of an offensive weapons which he will serve concurrently to the murder sentence.

The family of Rico wanted to pay tribute to him and said the following:

“On Sunday 21 August 2022, we received news that we could never have expected. Rico a loving son, father, brother, cousin, and a dear friend to all had been stolen from us, way too early at a young age of 31 by the hands of another human in a selfish act. The loss of Rico has hurt us all tremendously and throughout the community.

“Rico was a friendly kind soul with humour of a comedian, his smile would and could light up any room. He would give anyone his last £1 and worked hard within his job. He loved all kinds of music and going out with friends, to finish his day he would sit with his mum as he was her golden boy.

“We feel we cannot celebrate events as it isn’t and won’t be the same without him; it is a constant reminder that he is no longer here with us. We try to keep his memory alive through the stories we tell each other and find it somewhat comforting through the pain. Everything we have tried to write doesn’t seem enough to show you the unbearable physical pain. Our hearts are broken, and we think about Rico every day, multiple times a day. When we sleep, we have nightmares.

“We can’t remember what it’s like to have a full night’s sleep. We can’t remember what it’s feels like not to be stressed, worried or anxious. We don’t remember what it feels like not to grieve. We cannot see how life can go on without him. The images in our minds will never be forgotten as the family and friends that were there that fatal night are scarred and traumatised. No parent should have to witness their child bloodied and murdered. No parent should have to bury a child.

“We aren’t sure our worst times are over as we all grieve so heavily for him. His brothers and sister have a different mother. His nieces and nephews have different parents now as the hurt is too much to bear. His son is fatherless. No one is the same and we don’t know if we can find the path to get back to the old us. We are all broken. We will never forget Rico as the memories we share have been imprinted into our minds and hearts.”

Rico's family have requested privacy at this difficult time.

Detective Chief Inspector Gina Brennand of GMP’s Major Incident Team said: “First of all, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Rico Burton and Harvey Reilly this extremely challenging time. Not only has an innocent life been taken by O’Pray, but another life has been changed forever at the heart of this brutal attack. Rico Burton and Harvey Reilly were out in Altrincham enjoying themselves with their friends at Goose Green when O’Pray carried out his vicious attack.

“A disturbance began after O’Pray was refused entry to a bar in Goose Green. After disagreements with security staff at the entrance to the premises, O’Pray became aggressive and threatened door staff with violence. O’Pray was then ejected from the bar’s outdoor premises into the public area of Goose Green and continually attempted to enter the bar. O’Pray and his friend continued to be aggressive to groups of people gathered outside the bar.

“Rico Burton stood passively next to a male who throws a punch at one of O’Prays acquaintances, because of this the two groups come together, and a fight erupted. During the disturbance Rico Burton was doing nothing when O’Pray runs towards him and in one movement lunged with a knife and stabs him in the neck.

“Harvey Reilly, the second victim, moves towards O’Pray to defend Rico Burton and O’Pray lashes out at Reilly too and stabs him in his arm and stomach. Both Rico and Harvey both collapse after suffering a horrific stab wounds and members of the public going to their aid. Moments later CCTV shows O’Pray being knocked to the ground unresponsive, and a knife was seized. He also was later discovered to be under the influence of ketamine, cannabis, and cocaine.

“I commend Harvey Reilly and Rico Burton’s loved ones for their support which has been vital to this investigation. I would also like to thank those brave members of the public who were in the area who provided first aid support and reassurance to those affected that evening. In court the judge stated that GMP’s PC Robertson and PC Hodgson deserve specific praise in their actions which helped save Harvey’s life which could have been a double murder.

“Liam O’Pray’s crimes are horrific and his lack of remorse for Rico Burton and Harvey Reilly. He is an extremely dangerous individual who fully deserves the sentence imposed on him today. I truly hope that the sentence of this dangerous individual brings some form of peace to all the victims and their loved ones. I also hope the sentencing demonstrates GMP is determined to take knives out of the hands of criminals and will do all in its power to hold offenders to account.

“Anyone who carries a knife is a danger to themselves and others and I hope this investigation will serve as a deterrent to carrying knives – a practice that is sadly becoming an increasingly common occurrence. Our officers are actively targeting those involved in knife crime, but it is not something we can police our way out of, and we need the public’s help. If you know someone who is carrying a knife, please talk to them about the dangers and if they persist, you must report this to police so we can intervene before it is too late.”

Report and Support

You can contact GMP via www.gmp.police.uk or 101.

Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers also have a dedicated website which enables 11 – 17-year-olds to pass on information anonymously – this can be accessed through www.fearless.org

In an emergency, always dial 999.