Sion Hardy: Two in court over Liverpool University student's death

Jun 18 2008

TWO men have made their first appearance at crown court in connection with the death of a Liverpool University student.

Civic design student Sion Hardy died following an attack in a city centre underpass after leaving a nightclub.

Two men, former JMU students Kevin O’Dea and Simon Taylor, are already serving seven years for manslaughter after being convicted by a jury.

Yesterday two further men appeared at Liverpool Crown Court in connection with the 24-year-old’s death.

Thomas Canning, formerly of Everton Brown, Everton, has now been charged with the murder of Mr Hardy, from Bangor in North Wales, on November 15 last year.

The 21-year-old, who has now returned to his family home in Crickhowell, Powys, South Wales, is also accused of manslaughter.

Former JMU student Richard Faustino is also charged with manslaughter.

The 21-year-old, formerly of Wingate Road, Aigburth, has been bailed to his parents’ home in Appleby in Cumbria.

The two smartly-dressed men, who were both supported by their parents, spoke only to confirm their names.

The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe QC ordered the men to return to court on September 26 to enter their pleas.

He also set a trial date for December 1.

During the emotional four-week trial of Manchester United employee and part-time model O’Dea, and Taylor, both 22, the jury were told Mr Hardy was killed after a chance meeting with childhood friend Stephen Lunn.

He suffered a blow to the head and died later that night in hospital.