Youths jailed for man's killing

Ian Pick's body was found at his home on 17 January

Three teenagers have been jailed after they killed a Merseyside man who they wrongly thought was a paedophile.

Ian Picks, 56, was found beaten and stabbed to death at his home in Cunningham Road, Old Swan, in January.

Phillip Durrans, 17, and Dominic Benson, 18, admitted the murder at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday and were given life jail sentences.

A third teenager, who cannot be named, was found guilty of manslaughter and sentenced to six years detention.

The court heard Mr Picks' lifestyle was unconventional, with prostitutes and drug addicts staying at his home.

'Brutal and heartless'

When he was arrested Benson said he and his fellow attackers had wrongly thought Mr Pick was a paedophile.

The judge, Mr Justice Pitchers, said Mr Picks had been killed in a brutal and heartless way, and said the teenagers' actions had caused tragedy and trauma to many people.

It was earlier claimed police officers were called to an incident at Mr Picks' home on the previous day, but failed to call at the house.

Police were sent to the house after a neighbour reported banging noises and drove past, but did not try to enter the premises.

Three officers were suspended but an Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) report said the police could not have prevented the Mr Picks' death.

The IPCC report found Mr Pick would have died before the 999 call was made by his neighbour, and that two police officers should face disciplinary action with regards to their performance of duties.