A MAN was found guilty of the murder of 21-year-old Billy Livesley yesterday, Monday.

David Connors, 24, and his brother Peter Connor, 32, both of no fixed address, were in a transit van that entered a car park on Bickershaw Lane in Abram on Friday, December 28.

Peter Connor then got out of the van and approached Mr Livesley.

As Billy tried to run away Connors also got out of the van and struck him on the head with a metal bar, inflicting a catastrophic brain injury.

Billy's girlfriend and one of his friends witnessed the attack.

Billy, from Platt Bridge, died in hospital the following day.

Leigh Journal:

Billy Livesley

David Connors previously admitted killing his victim but claimed he was acting in self-defence.

But after a trial at Manchester Crown Court he was found guilty of Billy's murder.

Peter Connor was acquitted of murder and manslaughter.

The driver of the van, Jimmy Price, earlier pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice for helping to dump the van to hide it from police.

CPS senior prosecutor Gary Logan said: “This was a violent assault on Billy Livesley without any warning and without any justification.

"The speed of the attack left him no chance to get away or defend himself.

"David Connors’ claim that he was acting in self-defence was not accepted by the jury and the prosecution team proved that the attack on Billy was murder and not manslaughter.

“Billy Livesley’s murder has devastated his family, friends and the local community.

"Our thoughts remain with his family and friends at this difficult time.”

David Connors will be sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Monday, July 22 along with Jimmy Price.