Wirral dad Alan Corney was not killed, court is told

May 19 2009 by Luke Traynor, Liverpool Daily Post

Wirral dad Alan Corney was not killed, court is told.

Detectives are understood to be “extremely frustrated” by the turn of events and Michael Corney, the deceased’s son, who attended court, was said to be “very upset” by developments.

After his death, distraught son Michael spoke of how those who had attacked his dad had “stolen his life”.

Mr Corney was walking home from the pub along Parkgate Parade with his wife, Norma, last November, when the altercation took place.

Yesterday, baby-faced Crawford, dressed in a white shirt, only spoke to confirm his name and address and deny the charge of GBH.

It is likely that Mr Corney’s wife, Norma, who was with her husband when he was assaulted, will have to give evidence at the trial.

Defending Crawford, of Claypit Lane, Gresford, Nicholas Mason made an application for his client’s bail, but it was refused by the Recorder of Chester, Elgan Edwards on the basis that he may interfere with witnesses.

A retired plant manager at the Unilever factory in Port Sunlight, Mr Corney had recently sold his house to singing legend Gerry Marsden, to move to Parkgate.

The attack and the death of Mr Corney stunned the quiet community of Parkgate, a spot frequently visited by tourists.