Two admit affray at victim's home

James Barrett collapsed while chasing the gang of youths

Two teenagers have admitted causing trouble outside the Liverpool home of a grandfather who collapsed and died after confronting a gang of youths.

James Barrett, 62, of Anfield, died of a heart attack after following youths he believed had vandalised a car.

Francis Brennan, 18, and a 16-year-old boy both admitted affray at the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre.

Joseph Hampson, 18, denied the charge, while Michael Walker, also 18, and a 14-year-old boy did not enter pleas.

David Evans, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Barrett was struck on the head during the melee in August and subjected to a volley of abuse.

He said: "A group of youths had been drinking in the area where the incident occurred.

"The noise created by them, at least part of which was damage to a motor vehicle screen caused by a bottle being thrown, caused a number of people in the local area to come out of their houses.

"They were subject to abuse and threats, particularly one man who had been following the youths from outside his house.

"That man subsequently suffered from a heart attack and died."

The prosecution said Mr Barrett's heart attack was not caused by the altercation, or the youths' actions.

During the appearance on Wednesday, Brennan, of Cavan Road, Anfield, also admitted criminal damage to a motor vehicle.

Noise investigated

Brennan and the 16-year-old, who cannot be named, will be sentenced later in January.

Mr Walker, whose address cannot be reported, Mr Hampson, of Rydal Street, Anfield, and the 14-year-old boy will appear in court charged with affray next month.

Mr Barrett was babysitting his grandchildren on 18 August 2006 when he heard a car window break outside his house and went out to investigate.

He followed a group of youths down Bingley Road before collapsing in nearby Priory Road. He later died in the Royal Liverpool Hospital.

Mr Barrett left a wife, Mary, and two sons who live in the local area.