Accused man killed in stabbing hours before trial

Feb 20 2008 by Richard Down, Liverpool Daily Post

THIS 25-year-old was stabbed to death hours before he was due to appear in court on charges of armed robbery.

Liam Kilroe was killed in Birleywood, Digmoor, Skelmersdale, just before 9.40pm on Sunday.

It is believed he was stabbed in a struggle with the driver of a vehicle he was trying to rob near a Lifestyle Express store.

Originally from Billinge, near St Helens, but last living in Skelmersdale, Kilroe was due to appear at Preston Crown Court on Monday.

The trial was listed to start at midday but Judge Christopher Cornwall was given a note informing him of Kilroe’s death.

Kilroe was accused of robbing a shop in Croston, near Leyland, last year with an imitation firearm. He was on bail, but is thought to have breached his conditions. A warrant was put out for his arrest.

One man was arrested by police on suspicion of murder and questioned yesterday before being released on bail pending further inquiries.