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Five in court on affray charges Two admit affray at victim's home
(about 9 hours later)
Five teenagers are due in court accused of damaging a car outside the Merseyside home of a grandfather who collapsed and died giving chase. Two teenagers have admitted causing trouble outside the Liverpool home of a grandfather who collapsed and died after confronting a gang of youths.
James Barrett, aged 62, died of a heart attack after running after youths he believed had vandalised a car. James Barrett, 62, of Anfield, died of a heart attack after following youths he believed had vandalised a car.
Michael Walker, Joseph Hampson, Francis Brennan, all 18, and two boys aged 14 and 16, face charges of criminal damage and affray. Francis Brennan, 18, and a 16-year-old boy both admitted affray at the North Liverpool Community Justice Centre.
They are due to appear at North Liverpool Community Justice Centre. Joseph Hampson, 18, denied the charge, while Michael Walker, also 18, and a 14-year-old boy did not enter pleas.
Joseph Hampson, of Rydal Street and Francis Brennan, of Cavan Road, both Anfield, Liverpool, are accused with Michael Walker whose address cannot be reported after an earlier hearing was told his family home had been attacked. David Evans, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Barrett was struck on the head during the melee in August and subjected to a volley of abuse.
Mr Barrett was babysitting his grandchildren on the night of 18 August last year when he heard a gang break the window of a car outside his house in Anfield. He said: "A group of youths had been drinking in the area where the incident occurred.
He went out to confront the youths, following them down Bingley Road before he collapsed in nearby Priory Road. "The noise created by them, at least part of which was damage to a motor vehicle screen caused by a bottle being thrown, caused a number of people in the local area to come out of their houses.
He was taken to the Royal Liverpool Hospital but died of a heart attack. "They were subject to abuse and threats, particularly one man who had been following the youths from outside his house.
A statement released by the family at the time spoke of their shock and devastation, adding that he was "a wonderful man". "That man subsequently suffered from a heart attack and died."
The prosecution said Mr Barrett's heart attack was not caused by the altercation, or the youths' actions.
During the appearance on Wednesday, Brennan, of Cavan Road, Anfield, also admitted criminal damage to a motor vehicle.
Noise investigated
Brennan and the 16-year-old, who cannot be named, will be sentenced later in January.
Mr Walker, whose address cannot be reported, Mr Hampson, of Rydal Street, Anfield, and the 14-year-old boy will appear in court charged with affray next month.
Mr Barrett was babysitting his grandchildren on 18 August 2006 when he heard a car window break outside his house and went out to investigate.
He followed a group of youths down Bingley Road before collapsing in nearby Priory Road. He later died in the Royal Liverpool Hospital.
Mr Barrett left a wife, Mary, and two sons who live in the local area.Mr Barrett left a wife, Mary, and two sons who live in the local area.