The trial of the six accused in Niall Corrigan’s murder will begin today

Four men charged with murder, two more accused deny helping criminal after shooting of teenager

Niall Corrigan’s family released this photo of the teenager after his death(Image: Merseyside Police)

Six people accused of murdering 19-year-old Niall Corrigan will go on trial today. Mr Corrigan died after being shot in the back at Budi Croft, Stockbridge villageearly evening on November 12, 2020

Residents living near the scene said the teenager was shot near a cul-de-sac before he staggered towards a house where he collapsed. Mr Corrigan lived about 10 minutes’ walk from the scene and had friends nearby.

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The four men – Jamie Coggins, 28, Martin Wilson, 37, Connor Smith, 26, and Anthony Llewellyn, 25 – are charged with murder and conspiracy to possess a 9mm Glock automatic pistol with intent to endanger life. Coggins, of Spinney, Stockbridge Village, Llewelyn, of Olivet Way, St. HelensSmith of Midway Road in Houghton and Wilson, of no fixed address, all deny both charges.

The four men will stand trial alongside two other defendants, 47-year-old Melanie Smith and 49-year-old Mark Sharp. Both, who also live in Midway Road, Guyton, deny assisting a criminal as they allegedly helped Connor. Smith will travel from Liverpool to Portsmouth on November 26, 2020, two weeks after filming.

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In 2023, Merseyside Police launched a new appeal for information on the third anniversary of Mr Corrigan’s death. The trial, which is expected to last approximately six weeks, will be heard by Judge Goose.