Convicted Killer of Tyson Fury's Cousin Loses Life Sentence Appeal

Liam O'Pray was convicted of murdering Rico Burton, the cousin of boxer Tyson Fury, after stabbing him in the neck with a seven-inch lock knife during a fight in Altrincham in August 2022. O'Pray was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years, and also found guilty of wounding with intent for attacking a 17-year-old, Harvey Reilly. His appeal to reduce the sentence on grounds of immaturity was dismissed by three judges who confirmed the sentencing judge had fully considered his lack of maturity and applied a significant reduction accordingly. Burton's death prompted Tyson Fury to call for tougher measures against knife crime, emphasizing the danger and prevalence of stabbings in the UK. O'Pray had a prior conviction for carrying a knife in public, highlighting ongoing concerns about knife-related violence. The Court of Appeal's decision underscores the judiciary's firm stance on serious violent crimes involving knives.