Anthony Walker's family marks two year anniversary ‘privately’

Jul 29 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

Anthony Walker (158)

THE family of Anthony Walker are quietly marking the anniversary of his death in private today.

Anthony’s mother, Gee, is spending time in Devon, and other members are staying at home to contemplate life two years after his killing.

Anthony Walker was murdered with an ice axe in McGoldrick Park, Huyton, in July 2005 by cousins Michael Barton, 20, and Paul Taylor, 17.

The 18-year-old A level student who dreamt of becoming a lawyer was chased by the pair who had shouted abuse at him as he stood at a bus stop with his girlfriend.

The only motivation behind the killing was the fact Anthony was black.

The two men are now serving life for racially aggravated murder.

His family have since spoken publicly about their willingness to forgive.

After his death, the Anthony Walker Foundation was set up by his family to promote racial harmony through sport, music and education.

Last month, a gala dinner in the main ballroom at Liverpool’s Adelphi hotel was held in support of the foun-dation, attended by Lenny Henry.

A spokesman for Gee Walker said: “The family are marking the anniversary in private. They have decided it is a time for quiet contemplation.”

• TWO teenagers arrested on suspicion of racist offences at the school where Anthony was a pupil will not be charged.

Detectives have been told to take no further action against the two boys, aged 15 and 14, by the Crown Prosecution Service.

The decision has been revealed seven months after a mobile phone was used to video a verbal attack on an Asian teacher at Knowsley Hey comprehensive.