Fourth man is arrested over brutal shooting
AFOURTH man accused of murdering and robbing shooting victim Stephen Maguire is set to stand trial.
Mr Maguire was shot dead after a masked gang burst into his home in Guildford Road, Birkdale, on March 16 this year.
The 27-year-old’s girlfriend and six-year-old stepdaughter were told to go upstairs, before he was shot multiple times.
Merseyside Police said paramedics attempted to save his life but Mr Maguire died a short time later from a wound to his stomach.
Detectives arrested three men Karl Corson, Jack Higgins and Ryan Smith - over the shooting after a series of raids on May 3.
On September 22, a fourth man, Patrick Moogan, 34, of Willow Way, Croxteth, was also arrested in connection with the killing.
Moogan appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court when he denied the charges of murder, two counts of kidnap, possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and robbery.
Corson, 27, of Columbine Close, Melling; Higgins, 21, of Waresley Crescent, Fazakerley; and Smith, 21, of Colquitt Street, Liverpool city centre, also deny these offences.
According to the charges, all four men murdered Mr Maguire and robbed him of an orange KTM motorbike, a green Kawasaki motorbike and a red Honda motorbike, of a value unknown.
They are accused of kidnapping a teenage boy and a 19-year-old man on the same date as the shooting, who were allegedly “unlawfully and by force or fraud took or carried away” against their will.
The charges also allege that the defendants were in possession of a handgun and 9mm ammunition.
Gordon Cole, QC, prosecuting, said a trial, estimated to last four to six weeks, was set for November 16 this year.
Judge Thomas Teague, QC, said the four men would first appear for a further case management hearing on October 27, before the trial judge, Judge David Aubrey, QC. He remanded Moogan in custody.
After the shooting, Mr Maguire’s family issued a heartbreaking tribute to the dog-loving son and brother. In a statement, issued through Merseyside Police, he was described as a “protective” and “devoted” to stepdaughter Keisha.
They said: “Stephen was adored by his family and friends.
“He was a loving son to his mother and father and an amazing brother to his two brothers and three sisters. He would do anything to protect his family and friends, without a second thought for himself. Stephen was a selfless person who wouldn’t hesitate to offer help to anyone, whether family, friends or complete strangers.”
His partner Megan added: “Stephen was the most caring and loving boyfriend. Not only that, he was my best friend.
“He was a devoted stepdad to Keisha who gave the best cuddles, and will always be loved and remembered as an amazing man.”