Footballer’s brother charged with axe murder

THE cousin and brother of English Premiership footballer Joey Barton were charged yesterday with the axe murder of a black teenager.

The charges came after a high-profile investigation into the seemingly racist slaying that shocked Britain.

Paul Taylor, 20, and Michael Barton, 17 appeared in court yesterday charged with the murder of teenager Anthony Walker.

They were remanded in custody to appear before Liverpool Crown Court on August 23.

Both dressed in blue tracksuit trousers and stripy blue jumpers, they spoke only to give their names, addresses and dates of birth.

The two defendants are accused of killing A-Level student Anthony in a Huyton park last Friday night, and conspiracy to cause him grievous bodily harm.

Student Anthony, 18, a devout Christian and talented athlete, was attacked with an axe in Huyton, Merseyside, last Friday night.

Members of his family attended the five-minute hearing. His mother Gee, a special needs teacher, arrived at court flanked by her daughter and niece.

Another five suspects, aged 17, 18, 23, 26 and 29, have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.

The killing has stirred chilling memories of the 1993 murder of black teenager Stephen Lawrence

He was stabbed to death in London in a case which triggered soul-searching about racism in modern Britain. No one has ever been convicted of killing him.

A candlelit vigil took place in Huyton last night, one week after the alleged assault, to honour the dead teenager’s memory.

His death sent shock waves through the local community.

The scene of the alleged attack has attracted hundreds of tributes, including cards, flowers, basketballs and football shirts.

Taylor and Barton were arrested on Wednesday after returning from a trip to the Netherlands.