Wirral man accused of murdering soldier makes first appearance in crown court

Mar 25 2009 by Chloe Griffiths, Bromborough and Bebington News

A WIRRAL man accused of murdering a soldier has made his first appearance at Crown Court.

Gary Finlay, 46, is alleged to have killed father-of-two Graham McKenna, 45, and attempted to murder his teenage son, Michael.

Mr McKenna, who served with the Cheshire Regiment for 22 years before joining the local Territorial Army, was stabbed to death as he walked to catch a bus to Goodison Park with his son to watch an Everton match.

He was knifed on Foxglove Road and managed to stagger around the corner before collapsing in Speedwell Road.

He died in Arrowe Park Hospital following the January 10 attack.

His 14-year-old son, Ridgeway School pupil Michael, was stabbed nine times, but survived.

Mr McKenna was laid to rest after a full military funeral on March 2.

Finlay, of Alexandra Road, Birkenhead, appeared via video-link from Walton jail.

Shaven-headed and wearing glasses, he spoke only to confirm his name and did not enter a plea.

Judge John Roberts remanded him in custody until June 15 when he will be expected to respond to the charges.

A trial date was provisionally set for October 5.