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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Dan Haygarth & Patrick Edrich

Man 'lived tormented life' and 'needed help' after finding James Bulger's body

James Bulger James Riley IOPC Police Echo Jon Venables Merseyside Police Robert Thompson

A man who lived a life of crime after finding the body of murdered toddler James Bulger "lived a tormented life" and "should have got some help".

James Riley, 44, died in police custody this month after being arrested on Scotland Road. Riley was approached by officers at around 9.45pm on March 14 and taken into custody at St Anne Street Police Station. He remained in a cell overnight but at around 5pm the following day police staff were made aware he was on the floor and required medical attention.

Paramedics were called and he was taken to hospital where he was confirmed dead. The ECHO revealed earlier today that Riley had led a life of crime and had been convicted more than 40 times for a range of convictions.

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