Five Convicted Over Brutal Murder of 18-Year-Old Michael Toohey
On April 16, 2022, an 18-year-old named Michael Toohey was savagely beaten to death in an internet café on London Road. Paramedics rushed him to hospital, but he was pronounced dead. A post-mortem revealed he died from multiple, severe injuries.
Life Sentences for Five After Shocking Liverpool Trial
Nine suspects were initially charged with Michael’s murder. All pleaded not guilty at Liverpool Crown Court in November. But in January, five were convicted and sentenced today, receiving life terms:
- Kieran Williams, 28, no fixed address – life sentence with a minimum 18 years to serve
- Anthony Williams, 32, Hillbrook Drive, Walton – life with minimum 18 years
- Michael Williams, 25, Carlake Grove, Walton – life with minimum 18 years
- Steven McInerney, 34, no fixed address – life with minimum 18 years
- A 14-year-old boy (name withheld) – life with minimum 8 years in a young offenders institute
His Honour Judge David Aubrey KC praised Merseyside Police for their thorough and complex investigation.
Family’s Heartbreaking Tribute to Michael Toohey
“On 16th April 2022, our young child Michael Toohey was brutally beaten to death,” the family said. “We received a phone call and rushed to the scene; we saw something that will haunt us forever. Michael was motionless, paramedics performing CPR, our mother begging for his life. Michael was just 18, the youngest in our family, with a baby on the way. He was turning his life around, moving into a new home with his partner and working hard. He had bright hopes and dreams for the future. He was a loving son and devoted brother. His death has shattered us. Our mother now battles PTSD and anxiety, often unable to leave her bed. Michael’s partner now faces raising their child alone — baby Michael Jr will grow up never knowing his dad. The father-son moments stolen away by senseless violence.”
Police Commit to Tackling Violence After Michael’s Tragic Death
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen McGrath said: “Our hearts go out to Michael’s devastated family. This conviction was possible thanks to the dedication of Merseyside Police and the public’s help throughout the investigation. Michael was attacked after boarding a bus to meet friends. He was chased and viciously beaten inside an internet café. “Our work through Operation Target and the Violence Reduction Partnership is making a difference — serious violence is down 15.5%, knife crime down nearly 20%, with fewer life-changing assaults. But the fight isn’t over. “We urge anyone with information to come forward. Violence has no place on our streets. Those who choose this path must accept responsibility.”
