Five Jailed for Brutal Murder of Teen at Liverpool Internet Café
Michael Toohey, just 18, was viciously attacked inside an internet café on London Road on 16 April 2022. Despite paramedics rushing him to hospital, Michael sadly died from multiple injuries.
Nine suspects were arrested and charged with Michael’s murder. By January, five were found guilty at Liverpool Crown Court and handed life sentences.
Life Behind Bars for Michael’s Killers
- Kieran Williams, 28, no fixed abode – life sentence, minimum 18 years
- Anthony Williams, 32, Hillbrook Drive, Walton – life sentence, minimum 18 years
- Michael Williams, 25, Carlake Grove, Walton – life sentence, minimum 18 years
- Steven McInerney, 34, no fixed abode – life sentence, minimum 18 years
- Unnamed 14-year-old boy – life sentence to serve minimum 8 years in a young offenders institute
His Honour Judge David Aubrey KC praised Merseyside Police for their thorough investigation into this complex case.
Heartbreaking Family Tribute
“On 16th April 2022 our young child Michael Toohey was brutally beaten to death. We rushed to the scene to find Michael motionless with paramedics performing CPR. Our mother begged desperately for his life. Michael was just 18, with a baby on the way. He had started turning his life around, moving into a new home with his partner and working with his brother-in-law. He was a loving son and devoted brother, full of hope for the future. His tragic death has left our family devastated and broken. Our mother now battles anxiety and PTSD, unable to leave her bed, haunted by what she witnessed. We have watched our happy parents turn into heartbroken souls. Michael’s partner is now raising their baby boy alone, robbed of his father’s love. Baby Michael Jr will never know the bond of a dad teaching him to ride a bike or going to football practice. This cruel, senseless violence has shattered our lives forever.”
Police Speak Out on the Impact and Ongoing Fight Against Violence
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen McGrath said, “Our hearts go out to Michael’s family who have endured unimaginable grief. It’s been heartbreaking to relive Michael’s final moments during the trial.”
McGrath praised the work of Merseyside Police’s specialist teams and thanked the public for vital information that helped bring the killers to justice.
“Michael was attacked after taking a bus to meet friends on London Road. His life was taken just as he was about to become a father. Now his child will grow up without knowing him,” he added.
The detective highlighted the success of Operation Target and the Violence Reduction Partnership, noting a 15.5% drop in serious violence and a 19.6% fall in knife crime in the area over the last year.
“We urge the public to keep providing information so we can protect our communities. There’s no place for violence on our streets. Those who commit these crimes must be held accountable.”
Michael Toohey’s tragic death is a stark reminder of how violence tears apart victims, families, witnesses, emergency workers and whole communities.
