Sefton man sentenced to 22 years in prison after being found guilty of the murder of Matthew Horton

A man has been sentenced to 22 years in prison after being found guilty of the murder of Matthew Horton, who was stabbed to death in #Litherland last year.

Liam Thomas, 25, of Woodend Avenue, #Crosby, was sentenced on Friday 15 March, at Liverpool Crown Court after he was found guilty of murder following a trial.

Matthew was murdered on Tuesday 5th September last year following a report of a disturbance at around 11.35pm at a property on Sefton View. Patrols attended and commenced CPR, but Matthew was sadly pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

Following an investigation, it was found that Thomas, who is Matthew’s cousin, had attacked him with a knife and stabbed him three times following a dispute.

Detective Chief Inspector Ben Dyer said: “This was a senseless and tragic murder that involved two family members."

“Sadly, Matthew has lost his life because of the cowardly and violent actions of Thomas, who had denied murder and forced Matthew’s family to go through the trauma of enduring a trial."

“Thankfully a jury saw through his lies and he will now spend a considerable amount of time in prison."

“Everyone’s thoughts at Merseyside Police remain with Matthew’s family at this time. No sentence, however long, can change what Thomas did, but I hope that knowing he has been brought to justice and is off our streets brings Matthew’s family some small amount of comfort."

"I hope that now they can start to properly grieve their loss.”