TWO men have failed in their bid to get manslaughter charges against them dropped.

Former John Moores University (JMU) students Thomas Canning and Richard Faustino are charged with causing the death of Liverpool University civic design student Sion Hardy, aged 24.

Mr Hardy died after an attack in a city underpass last year.

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

Following their convictions in May, Canning and Faustino were also charged in connection with Mr Hardy’s death. They were due to stand trial earlier this month.

But the smartly-dressed pair appeared at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday in a bid to get the charges against them dropped.

Their barristers told the court it would be unfair for them to face trial after previously being told they would not be facing manslaughter charges.

Canning, who is also accused of murder, was originally told he would only be charged with affray.

Their defence teams also claimed it would now be impossible for the men, who were supported by their parents, to have a fair trial.

But their application to dismiss was rejected by the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe, QC.

He agreed to drop the murder charge against Canning, formerly of Everton Brow, Everton, but now of Crickhowell, Powys, South Wales, on the basis there had been an abuse of process.