A man was brutally bludgeoned to death over unfounded rumours he had accused the thug who attacked him of killing James Bulger. Another man, James Riley, also 31, who was involved in the attack admitted to conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and witness intimidation and was jailed for 42 months. Gregory Bull QC, defending for Riley, said that it was this accusation that ignited the violence in Mr Littlewood's home in July 2019. The court also heard how Riley was not present when Bates delivered the fatal blows to Mr Littlewood's head. The judge added: 'I'm satisfied that you knew that Mr Bates was going to Mr Littlewood's house to correct some perceived slight from earlier in the day.

Source: Daily Mail June 07, 2021 22:01 UTC