John Jones QC secures acquittal in murder trial

February 5, 2021

John Jones QC from Exchange Chambers has secured an acquittal for his client in a murder trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

John O’Brien, 32, of Walton was one of four men on trial for dousing a man in petrol and setting him on fire.

The case arose out of a county lines drugs supply case where the deceased was suspected of supplying for a rival line.  An attack took place where his home was set alight with petrol and the same was sprayed over the deceased who was then set alight causing injuries from which he died.

The defendant was present at the scene but denied knowledge of the intention to ignite.   He was found guilty of manslaughter and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered and sentenced to 15 years.

Co-defendants in the case:

Connah Jenkinson, 26, of Kremlin Drive in Liverpool, was found guilty of murder and arson with intent and was sentenced to life with a minimum of 30 years.

Joseph McEwan, 20, of Damsire Close in Liverpool, was found guilty of manslaughter and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered. He was sentenced to 13 years.

Paul Hart, 34, of Skelmersdale, was acquitted of murder and arson with intent.