A 17-YEAR-OLD boy who killed a man by swinging a plank of wood “like a cricketer” at his head simply to steal his bike was jailed for six years.

Cycling enthusiast Michael Harrison, 21, died in Fazakerley hospital five days after he was attacked while riding home on July 6 last year.

Today Jamie Aspinwall – who was 16 at the time of the year – was sentenced to six years in a Young Offenders Institute after admitting the “spontaneous and opportunistic” killing of Mr Harrison.

Christopher Robinson, 15, was the subject of a probation order at the time. He was sentenced to two years detention and training.

Robinson, of Ruskin Street, Walton, pleaded guilty to attempted robbery after chasing after Michael to steal his bike and urged Aspinwall, of Hereford Drive, Bootle, to “get him”

The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe QC told Aspinwall: “You swung that piece of wood, hitting him to the left side of his head.

“There were witnesses who described your act as if like a cricketer swinging a bat.

“It was deliberate, violent attack with such force the effect was devastating.

“Michael Harrison fell to the ground, making no attempt to break his fall, his head banging on the ground with some force.

“You then stole his bike, you didn’t stay to see how he was.”

Liverpool Crown Court heard Michael was left lying in the road in a pool of blood. He was found by passers-by in a critical condition.

Despite several operations to try and stop bleeding and to ease pressure on his brain, he died five days later in Fazakerley hospital with his parents and younger brother at his bedside.

Yesterday dozens of his devastated friends and family packed the public gallery at Liverpool Crown Court to see Aspinwall and Robinson, who showed no emotion throughout, sentenced.

Many of them wept throughout the hearing.

The court heard Michael had left work at Aintree innovation centre in Bootle at 2.45pm on July 6, when he was approached by three youths, who starred at his bike.

Robinson even challenged Harrison, saying “what you looking at lad”.

Stephen Riordon QC, prosecuting, told the court as Michael set off home, the trio followed him – Robinson chasing him on a small bike.

The pursuit caused Michael to weave in and out of traffic on a busy road, but Robinson soon caught him and deliberately banged his rear wheel with the front of his bike, causing him to stumble.

Art and sport lover Michael managed to regain his balance, but was forced to do a U-turn on to Bridle Road, Netherton, causing him go to drive head-long into the path of Aspinwall, who had armed himself with the wood.

Michael Harrison’s devastated family were to upset to talk today, but investigating officer Det Insp Jacqui Rimington said they were pleased justice had been done.

She said: “This was a violent and tragic end to a young person’s life.

“The family are devastated at the loss of Michael’s life and they find it difficult to accept that his death resulted because someone tried to steal his bike.

“It was so unnecessary.

“No sentence will bring Michael back, but the family are pleased justice has been seen to be done and they can now put this process behind them and start to grieve properly for him.”

Det Insp Rimington added that the police wanted to thank members of the public who had come forward and helped with the investigation.

The court heard several witnesses had seen the vicious attack, one woman who had been in a taxi on the road, even got out and asked Aspinwall “what the f*** have you done?”

She watched as the 17-year-old, who has no previous convictions, picked up the bike from underneath Michael and rode off. He dumped a few yards away and ran into a nearby housing estate.