Suspect denies murder after man shot in the head and killed inside flat

A man accused of shooting a "loving son, brother and uncle" in the head has denied his murder.

Peter Hale died after being shot inside a flat on Haslingden Close in Old Swan. Shay Walker, of Whitehouse Road in Stoneycroft, has been charged with murdering the 50-year-old.

The 25-year-old appeared before Liverpool Crown Court this afternoon, Friday, in order to face this charge and further counts of possession of a firearm, namely a self-loading pistol, with intent to cause fear of violence against Anthony Hale and possession of 9mm Luger ammunition without a certificate. Appearing via video link to HMP Altcourse wearing a black On Cloud t-shirt, he spoke to confirm his name before pleading not guilty to all three offences.

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Walker is now scheduled to face an eight-day trial, which is scheduled to begin on July 22 2024. He was remanded into custody until this date by Judge David Aubrey KC.

Merseyside Police were called to the scene at around 4.30pm on Monday, January 29, after receiving reports that a man had entered an address and shot another male. Armed police attended the incident and Mr Hale was rushed to hospital via an air ambulance in a critical condition after suffering a serious gunshot wound to his face, but died on the afternoon of Sunday, February 4.

His family paid tribute to him following his death, saying in a statement: "No words can describe the loss we as a family are feeling following the tragic death of Peter, a loving son, brother and uncle. He was a happy go lucky type of man that has been taken by an act of gun violence.

"Rest in peace. You will be in our hearts forever."

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