Axe murder jury sent home again

Anthony Walker was found with an axe in his head

The jury in the trial of a youth accused of the murder of Anthony Walker has been sent home for a second night after failing to reach a verdict.

Michael Barton, 17, of Boundary Road, Huyton, denies killing the 18-year-old, who was found with an axe in his head in McGoldrick Park, Huyton, in July.

Mr Barton's cousin, 20-year-old Paul Taylor, has already pleaded guilty to Anthony's murder.

The jury spent Tuesday deliberating after being sent out on Monday.

Verdict options

Sending them out to consider their verdicts on Monday, the judge told members of the jury to "take as much time as you need".

He told them to return with a verdict of either guilty of murder, not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter, or not guilty to either.

The jury, at Preston Crown Court sitting in Liverpool, must also decide if Mr Barton is guilty of conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm.