Man admits charity worker’s murder

Sep 28 2011 by Chloe Griffiths, Wallasey News

A MAN is facing life behind bars after admitting murdering a charity worker by stabbing him in the heart.

Barry Royle had previously denied murdering Peter Caine, 27.

But when the 28-year-old appeared at Liverpool crown court last week his barrister asked for the charge to be put again and Royle pleaded guilty to murder.

When asked to confirm he wished to change his plea, Royle, of Market Street, Birkenhead, just nodded.

Mr Caine suffered eight stab injuries – with the fatal one being a 15cm wound to his heart – during an attack in Market Street, Birkenhead, in the early hours of May 12.

Police were called to the road, close to Hamilton Square, shortly after 12.30am, to reports a man had collapsed in the street.

They found Mr Caine with stab wounds to his upper body and he was rushed to Arrowe Park hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

Raquel Simpson, defending, said Royle pleaded guilty on the basis he had intended to cause Mr Caine really serious harm, but not to kill him.

Royle, who appeared via video link from Preston prison, was due to stand trial on October 31 and the Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe fixed his sentencing for that day, further remanding him in custody.

Originally from Barrow-in-Furness, keen artist Mr Caine spent the last 10 years of his life in Wirral and was a young people’s representative for Forum Housing Association, as well as a volunteer for Wirral CVS and other voluntary groups.