A 32-year-old man from Kirkdale has pleaded not guilty to charges related to an incident where an elderly couple was allegedly threatened with a weapon in their Everton home. The man appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link to enter his plea.
Key Takeaways
- Maurice Dodd, 32, of Kirkdale, has denied multiple charges including aggravated burglary and possession of an imitation firearm.
- The charges stem from a home invasion in Everton on July 7, where an elderly couple was allegedly threatened.
- The couple, Michael Duffy, 89, and Linda Duffy, 67, were reportedly watching television when the incident occurred.
- A trial date has been scheduled for the week commencing January 5, 2026, at Liverpool Crown Court.
Court Proceedings Begin
Maurice Dodd, 32, of Westminster Road in Kirkdale, appeared before Liverpool Crown Court on Tuesday, September 30, 2025. He attended the hearing via a video link from HMP Altcourse, wearing a grey tracksuit top.
During the brief hearing, Dodd spoke only to confirm his identity before entering not guilty pleas to all charges against him. He is accused of aggravated burglary, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a bladed article in a public place, and two counts of making threats to kill.
The imitation firearm was described in the charges as a silver pistol. The judge, the Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC, presided over the hearing and scheduled the next steps in the legal process.
Background of the Incident
Merseyside Police were dispatched to the area of Mere Lane and Calder Road in Everton shortly after 8 pm on July 7. The call followed reports of a male, allegedly armed with a firearm and a knife, entering a residence and making threats to the occupants.
Details of the Alleged Home Invasion
The incident involved homeowners Michael Duffy, 89, and his wife Linda, 67. According to reports, the couple was at home watching television coverage of the Wimbledon tennis tournament when an armed man allegedly entered their property.
Mrs. Duffy later recounted the experience, stating that the intruder threatened to shoot both her and her husband. She said the man repeatedly demanded to know the whereabouts of an unidentified person, asking, "where is he, where is he hidden?"
"He kept going through all the rooms and slamming the doors. He kept saying, 'tell me where they are, or I am going to shoot you'."
The ordeal reportedly lasted for approximately one hour, during which the man is said to have searched the couple's home while continuing to make threats.
Couple's Quick Thinking
The distressing situation is said to have concluded due to the quick thinking of Mr. Duffy. He reportedly feigned a heart attack to create a distraction and prompt a call to emergency services.
As his wife dialled 999, Mr. Duffy allegedly gave her a secret wink to let her know he was not in medical distress. When paramedics arrived at the address, the intruder is said to have fled the scene.
Legal Process and Future Dates
Following the not guilty pleas, Judge Menary set a timeline for the case. A trial, expected to last between four and five days, is scheduled to begin in the week of January 5, 2026.
Timeline of Court Dates
- Pre-Trial Review: November 14, 2025
- Trial Start Date: Week of January 5, 2026
A pre-trial review hearing will take place on November 14 to ensure all necessary preparations are completed ahead of the trial. Addressing the defendant, Judge Menary stated, "I am going to adjourn this matter now towards the trial date in January... The purpose of that is to make sure that everything is in place for that trial."
Dodd was remanded into custody until the next hearing. The legal proceedings will continue to unfold at Liverpool Crown Court.
Lasting Impact on Victims
In the aftermath of the incident, Mrs. Duffy spoke about the significant emotional impact it had on her. She described feeling a persistent sense of shock and anxiety.
"You really don't think anything like this would happen to you. I can't stop shaking inside," she explained. "I haven't been able to sleep. You never think it is going to happen to you, you really don't think it's going to happen."
The community was left concerned by the report of a violent intrusion into the home of an elderly couple, an event that has now moved into the judicial system for resolution.