Wildcat strike called off at Walton Prison

Aug 30 2007 by Paula Owens, Liverpool Daily Post

Prison officer's strike keeps murder accused out of court

A COURTROOM video-link of a man accused of murder could not go ahead yesterday due to the prison officers’ strike.

John McCartney, charged with the murder of Noel Hollowed, was due to be before Liverpool Crown Court but could not appear on a video-link from Walton prison, where he is on remand.

Mr Hollowed, 43, was found in an alley near Priory Road, Bootle, on April 29. He had suffered multiple injuries.

McCartney, 38, of Litherland Road, Bootle, had been expected to enter a plea to the charge.

The court heard that staff who usually man the video booths which link the prison with the court for short hearings were not present, so McCartney will not be able to enter a plea until September 7.

In his absence, but before a packed public gallery, including members of his and the dead man’s family, Judge Gerald Clifton fixed his trial to start on October 2.