At around 9pm on Tuesday 3 July 2018, emergency services were called to Belle Vale Road after a report of a 16-year-old boy having been stabbed. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced deceased around midnight.

An extensive investigation into the incident established that two groups of youths had congregated in a nearby field for a fight that night, whereupon a knife was produced and the offender stabbed Daniel.

17-year-old Owen Cousins from Redwood Road was arrested on Wednesday 4 July and later charged. He was convicted of manslaughter last month at Liverpool Crown Court.

Speaking after the sentencing, Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector John Middleton, said: “It was tragic last year to see such a young life ended as a consequence of someone recklessly carrying and using a knife.

“Hopefully today’s sentencing at least gives Daniel’s family and friends some form of closure and comfort as they continue to come to terms with their loss.

“Tackling violence and knife crime is not something police and the courts can do alone. We continue to work closely with schools and other partners across Merseyside to educate young people about the devastating consequences, which Daniel’s death sadly shows.

“We want parents, guardians and young people themselves to help reinforce this message – if you are caught carrying a knife, you are reducing your future prospects. We would urge anyone of any age to think before they consider carrying a knife, whatever the reason.

“If you know somebody who is carrying a knife when they go out I would urge you to come forward and tell us, so we can take the appropriate action. We will act on all information reported to us to make our streets safer.”

Anyone with information can DM @MerPolCC, call 101 or contact Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111. #StopKnifeCrime