The case of a man who was killed after a fatal one punch remains unsolved 17 years later.
Anthony Cavanagh, from Kirkdale, was on a night out in Liverpool city centre when he bumped into group of men inside the former Walkabout bar. The 22-year-old apologised after a drink was spilt.
The young sailor left the bar with his friends, and as they did so they met a group of men which included the man he'd bumped into inside the Walkabout. One of the men punched Anthony, knocking him to the ground.
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The 22-year-old fell to the floor, hitting his head on the ground where he sustained massive head injuries. It was 11 days later on October 5, 2005 that Anthony died.
Anthony's killer has still not been brought to justice. A 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of Anthony's murder in Blundellsands in 2015, but no-one has ever been charged over his death.
The Royal Navy seaman was on weekend leave from his ship and had travelled from Portsmouth to Liverpool to see his friends and family. Back in 2021, Detective Chief Superintendent Mark Baker said was an "innocent young man" who had been "simply enjoying a night out with his mates".
Det Supt Baker said those who were in the larger group also "left the scene without trying to help, either at the time or since". In a statement in October 2021, the Det Supt said: “This was such a tragic incident, and we will continue to investigate any new information that comes in to try and bring about some comfort for his family and friends, who still hold now answers after all this time.
“Anthony was an innocent young man who was simply enjoying a night out with his mates when he was injured in an unprovoked attack as he left Walkabout. The force of the blow knocked him unconscious and he fell backwards, hitting the floor and suffering terrible head injuries.
“We know that his attacker was part of a larger group, all of whom left the scene without trying to help, either at the time or since. Anthony died 11 days later in hospital and his family have been suffering ever since.
“Over the years we have spoken to witnesses and made several arrests, but have never managed to secure enough evidence to charge anyone with causing Anthony’s death. This can change with new information, and we know that time does not have to be a barrier to securing justice.
“We know that Anthony was punched by someone who he had accidently knocked into as he left the bar. A drink was spilt and we believe Anthony was trying to apologise when he was attacked.
“The person who did this has lived with this terrible burden for 16 years, as have the people he was with on the night, some of whom may have seen what happened, or know the truth. Friendships and loyalties can change in 16 years as can people’s personal circumstances. Ten thousand pounds is a substantial sum, and perhaps it will make enough of a difference for someone to look deep into their conscious.
“I would urge anyone with information that could help us bring Anthony’s killer to justice and his family a sense of peace to do the right thing and come forward.
“Anthony was a local lad with a promising career ahead of him and a loving family who deserve to see justice done. If you know something please come forward. It will be the right decision for everyone involved in this awful tragedy.”
Information can be left via @MerPolCC on Twitter, ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook, or by calling 101, with reference 0509143184.
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