A judge at Liverpool Crown Court relisted the two-day trial for later this year
A judge at Liverpool Crown Court relisted the two-day trial for later this year
16:33, 23 Mar 2026Updated 16:38, 23 Mar 2026
A warrant has been issued for David Riccio after a court heard he was in Thailand on the day a trial was due to begin. Riccio, 34, had been listed to appear for trial at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday accused of a single count of affray in relation to an alleged incident at MeatMe restaurant on Lark Lane.
Riccio, of no fixed address, and Richard Murphy, 31 and of Barcdy Caravan and Camping Park in Llandecwyn, were charged in relation to an alleged fight at the Aigburth restaurant on July 4, 2024.
But the court heard this morning that Riccio had not attended and was believed to be in Thailand, having had “some difficulty getting a flight back to this country”.
Laura Jane Miller, defending Riccio, told the court she had been notified by a family member of her client about where he was. Ms Miller said: “I have no information about when he went or how long he has been there.”
The court heard the issue had arisen when he had attempted to book his journey back to the UK. Ms Miller told the court: “He wants to be at his trial.”
Bernice Campbell, representing Murphy, told the court her client wanted to be tried alongside his co-accused.
Judge Neil Flewitt, presiding, vacated the trial date and confirmed the two-day hearing would instead take place in the week commencing September 21.
The judge told the court it would be “intolerable” to wait any longer for the proceedings.
The court was told by the prosecution travelling to Thailand was a breach of Riccio’s bail conditions.
Judge Flewitt issued a warrant not backed by bail for Riccio, meaning he can be arrested and held in custody until his next court appearance upon his return to the jurisdiction.
The judge released Murphy, who wore a grey suit and red tie and sported dark brown hair, under the same bail conditions as before.
Family members for both Riccio and Murphy were in attendance during the 15-minute hearing.
The ECHO previously reported that a fight took place at MeatMe, a Greek street food restaurant, at around 1.30pm on the day in question.
During the incident a man was allegedly struck in the face by a separate man with a bottle. The complainant was also allegedly punched and kicked to the chest by a second suspect.
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