Three men, including two from Wirral, have been charged following a serious assault and robbery in Liverpool city centre. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, September 14, left a man in his 30s unconscious with significant injuries.
Key Takeaways
- Three men face charges including robbery and Section 18 wounding with intent.
- The victim, a man in his 30s, was found unconscious at the scene and required hospital treatment.
- The incident took place at the junction of Whitechapel and Richmond Street in Liverpool.
- Two of the accused are from the Wirral, while the third is from Swindon.
- All three have been remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court.
Details of the City Centre Incident
Merseyside Police received a report at approximately 1:00 AM on Sunday, September 14, concerning an assault in progress. Eyewitnesses reported seeing three men attacking another man near the intersection of Whitechapel and Richmond Street.
Upon arrival, police officers discovered a man in his 30s lying unconscious on the ground. He had sustained substantial injuries and his mobile phone had been stolen during the attack. The victim was immediately transported to a hospital for medical attention.
Immediate Police Response and Arrests
Following initial enquiries at the scene, officers conducted a search of the surrounding area. Their investigation led them to the nearby Queen Square Bus Station, where three men were promptly arrested in connection with the incident.
The swift action by the responding officers ensured that the suspects were detained shortly after the alleged offence took place, preventing their departure from the city centre.
Charges Filed Against Three Individuals
Following the arrests, Merseyside Police have formally charged three men. The charges relate to robbery, assault, and drug possession. Two of the men are from the Wirral peninsula.
Understanding the Charges
A charge of Section 18 wounding with intent, under the Offences against the Person Act 1861, is one of the most serious forms of assault. It implies that the perpetrator caused grievous bodily harm with the intention of doing so. Robbery involves theft with the use of force or the threat of force.
The individuals charged are:
- Jack Berry, 28, of Gorsedale Road, Poulton, Wirral. He has been charged with robbery and Section 18 wounding with intent.
- John McGuiness, 22, of Lucerne Road, Seacombe, Wirral. He faces charges of robbery, Section 18 wounding with intent, and possession of a controlled Class B drug, specifically cannabis or cannabis resin.
- Daniel Dewart, 21, of Woodside Avenue, Swindon. He has been charged with assault by beating, robbery, and Section 18 wounding with intent.
These charges reflect the severity of the assault and the theft that occurred during the incident. The inclusion of a drug charge for one of the suspects adds another dimension to the ongoing legal case.
Court Proceedings and Remand
The legal process for the three accused men has already begun. Daniel Dewart appeared at Liverpool Magistrates Court on Monday, September 15, just one day after the incident.
All three men—Jack Berry, John McGuiness, and Daniel Dewart—have been remanded into custody. This means they will be held in detention until their next court appearance. They are scheduled to appear before Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, October 13, where the case will proceed.
Crown Court vs. Magistrates' Court
Cases involving more serious offences, such as Section 18 wounding (grievous bodily harm), are typically sent from the Magistrates' Court to the Crown Court. The Crown Court has greater sentencing powers and hears trials before a judge and jury.
Part of a Wider Policing Initiative
Merseyside Police have stated that their response is part of a broader, ongoing effort to maintain public safety. The force is currently engaged in its Safer Streets Summer initiative, which extends into September across the region.
"Policing activity is continuing to take place into September across Merseyside as part of the Safer Streets Summer initiative, with enhanced high-visibility patrols in hotspot areas for serious violence, anti-social behaviour, theft and robbery." - Merseyside Police Statement
This campaign focuses on increasing the presence of officers in areas identified as hotspots for specific types of crime. The goal is to deter serious violence, anti-social behaviour, and property crimes like theft and robbery through visible patrols.
Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee
The Safer Streets campaign is aligned with the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, a national commitment announced by the UK Government earlier this year. This guarantee promises that every neighbourhood in England and Wales will have dedicated policing teams.
A key component of this guarantee is the assurance of police patrols in town centres and other high-traffic areas, especially during peak times when incidents are more likely to occur. The arrests in this case highlight the active presence of police in Liverpool's city centre.
How to Report Information
Merseyside Police encourage members of the public to report any information related to this or other crimes. Public cooperation is often crucial for successful investigations.
There are several ways to provide information:
- Visit the Merseyside Police website to report a crime online.
- Call the non-emergency police number, 101.
- Contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or by using their online form.
Reporting information, no matter how small it may seem, can help police build a clearer picture of events and ensure those responsible for crimes are brought to justice.
