One of two men wanted by police investigating the death of Ryan Kirkpatrick in central Carlisle has appeared in court accused of his murder.
Liam Porter, 32, was present in the dock at the city’s magistrates’ court this morning almost exactly six months to the day that 24-year-old Mr Kirkpatrick was fatally stabbed, on the evening of September 18.
Police were called to Carlyle’s Court, off Fisher Street, at 8.48pm on that date following a report that a man had been knifed.
Despite the best efforts of first responders and medical staff, Mr Kirkpatrick, of Carlisle, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Detective Chief Superintendent Dean Holden said in the aftermath that police were investigating a targeted attack.
Porter faces three separate charges. One alleges the murder of Mr Kirkpatrick and a second alleges manslaughter and that he unlawfully killed Mr Kirkpatrick — both contrary to common law.
A third charges alleges the assisting of an offender. According to the wording of this charge, Porter is accused of doing so “without lawful authority or reasonable excuse” and “with intent to impede the apprehension or prosecution” of another man — Kane Hull.
During today’s court hearing, which lasted just 145 seconds, Porter spoke only to confirm name, date of birth and address. Wearing a black and grey North Face jumper, Porter was represented in court by lawyer David Malone.
No pleas were entered to the three charges, and Porter’s case was sent to Carlisle Crown Court, where he is due to appear in front of a judge tomorrow.
Porter was remanded in custody in the meantime, and told by magistrates that they had no power to grant him bail.
Any application for bail can only be made once a defendant’s case has reached the crown court.
- Kane Hull, 29, of Bower Street, Carlisle, is also wanted by police investigating Mr Kirkpatrick’s death, and is due to appear at the city’s magistrates’ court on a future date.
