Man accused of killing Widnes dad walks free from court (From Runcorn and Widnes World)

Michael Eves from Speke, accused of killing Widnes dad Wayne Basnett, walks free from court

11:34am Thursday 7th March 2013 in News

A MAN accused of the cold blooded murder of a Widnes dad has walked free from court today.

Michael Eves, aged 25, was cleared of the murder of dad-of-three Wayne Basnett, of Mayfield Avenue, following a six-week trial at Chester Crown Court.

Reporting restrictions were imposed two weeks ago after a jury failed to reach a verdict on other charges.

Eves, from Speke, was convicted of the common assault of Kimberley McMahon, Mr Basnett’s girlfriend, and was sentenced to six months.

But today, Thursday, Judge Elgin Edwards said he was free to go because he had already served more than 18 months in custody on remand.

He said it would have been ‘untenable’ to hold a re-trial given that Eves had already faced three juries.

Eves denied murdering 20-year-old Mr Basnett, who was shot in the head in Pepper Street, Hale Village, shortly after midnight on December 22, 2010.

More to follow.