Three men sentenced for murder of Rikki Berry in Kirkby

PICTURED (left to right): ADAM WILLIAMS, MICHAEL SMITH AND CONNOR WALSH

Three men have been sentenced for the murder of Rikki Berry in Kirkby last year.

Just after 6.30pm on 17 July, emergency services were called to a report that a man had been shot outside Quarryside Drive in Kirkby. Paramedics treated him at scene but sadly he died a short time later.

Rikki, nicknamed 'Nuggy', was 36-years-old at the time of his murder.

Detectives conducted a thorough investigation resulting in the Crown Prosecution Service charging three men; Adam Williams, Michael Smith and Connor Walsh with his murder.

During a four-week trial, the jury heard how three of the four shots struck him, one of which was catastrophic.

They were all found guilty of murder and possessing a firearm with intent to endanger life following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Friday 14 February.

Today, Tuesday 18 February, they were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court and each received the following:

• Adam Williams, 26, of Hamblett Crescent in St Helens received  a life sentence with a minimum of 31 years in prison
• Michael Smith, 27, no fixed address, Kirkby received a life sentence with a minimum of 31 years in prison
• Connor Walsh, 26, of Simonswood Lane, Northwood, Kirkby received a life sentence of 30 years in prison

Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cummings said: “Firstly I would like to convey our sincere condolences to Rikki’s family, and I hope that this conviction will give his family some sense of justice against those who took his life away.

“There is no room for guns on the streets of Merseyside and we will do everything within our power to ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

“My message to those involved in gun crime and serious organised crime is clear – Merseyside Police will never rest, we are relentless in our pursuit of those involved.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets and I would appeal to anyone who has information to come forward.

“I completely understand that speaking up could be daunting, but when people are willing to support the police we will ensure every possible avenue is progressed to protect them.

“And if you don’t feel comfortable coming directly to the police you can call the independent, anonymous, Crimestoppers hotline on 0800 555 111, we need to know who is involved in gun crime and where those guns are being stored.”

If you have any information about suspected firearms in your area, please contact @MerPolCC, 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.