TEENAGERS on trial for killing 18-year-old Eddie O'Rourke at a birthday party in Runcorn have been found guilty.
Liverpool Crown Court heard that a 15-year-old boy and a then 17-year-old boy killed Eddie at the Royal British Legion Club in Runcorn on the evening of September 7.
Joe Ward of Lockfield, who can now be named as he has turned 18, had a grudge against Eddie because he was going out with his ex-girlfriend.
The court head how the two men exchanged words at the party, went outside, but later returned.
Read mum's emotional tribute to her son >
CCTV showed how the 15-year-old, who can’t be named for legal reasons, then handed Ward a knife with a 12-inch blade which he took from the waistband of his trousers.
The two boys then went outside with Eddie and got into a fight with him before Ward stabbed him in the stomach.
Eddie was taken to hospital but died shortly afterwards.
Today, Friday, a jury at Liverpool Crown Court found Ward guilty of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.
They found the 15-year-old guilty of manslaughter after acquitting him of murder.
Police have released this picture of the knife used
Damion Lloyd of Mersey Cheshire Crown Prosecution Service said: "This was meant to be a party to mark a young person’s coming of age.
"Instead, these two defendants used it as opportunity to kill another young person that they had some sort of a grudge against.
"Eddie O’Rourke was going out with Joe Ward’s ex-girlfriend. And that appears to have been the key reason why the victim was killed.
"What a shocking explanation for the loss of a young life.
"The 15-year-old defendant went to a party, armed with a knife with a 12-inch blade – how could that ever be an acceptable course of action?
"He handed it to his friend who then used it to stab Mr O’Rourke in the stomach.
"Ward has been found guilty of murder.
"The 15-year-old supplied him with the knife and was part of the fight that led up to the stabbing and the jury have found him guilty of manslaughter.
"The jury have found these teenagers guilty of some of the most serious offences in the criminal justice system and they can now expect substantial jail terms as a result.
"The name of Eddie O’Rourke is added to the dreadful rollcall of young men who’ve died as a result of knife crime in this country.
"The Crown Prosecution Service would like to extend condolences to his family and friends at this very difficult time."
Sentencing has been adjourned to a later date.
More soon...
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