Good morning, these are the latest ECHO headlines today.
Speeding Audi driver ruined teen's life in crash then went on the run
A speeding driver who ruined a teenager's life in a horror smash is finally behind bars after more than a year on the run.
Kevin Bernard sped in a black Audi S3 along Southport Road in Bootle at 86mph - nearly three times the road's 30mh limit. Lee Baxter meanwhile was heading to his 19th birthday party at his mum's house with two friends in his blue Ford Fiesta.
Bernard hit the Fiesta, inflicting multiple injuries including brain damage on the teen, who was left fighting for his life in a coma. Mr Baxter's mum refused to turn off his life support machine - despite the advice of doctors - and the next day he started to recover.
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But the now 22-year-old "had to learn how to breathe, talk, walk and eat" again and his personality was dramatically altered. Bernard, 44, denied causing serious injury by dangerous driving in the horrific crash, late on Saturday, June 16, 2018.
Yet he disappeared in December 2020 and failed to attend his trial last May, when he was found guilty, or his sentencing that July. Bernard was handed six years in prison in his absence, when a judge also sentenced him for a series of driving related frauds.
The wanted fugitive finally appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, when he admitted breach of bail. Callum Ross, prosecuting, said Bernard's failure to surrender involved a "deliberate" attempt to evade or delay justice.
Read the full story here.
Man stabbed in back as police seal off town centre street
A busy town centre street was sealed off by police after a man was stabbed in the arm and back.
Merseyside Police rushed to West Street in Southport at around 9.04pm on Thursday, April 7, following reports of an assault. Once at the scene, near the junction of Coronation Walk, officers found a man was stabbed.
The man was rushed to hospital with stab wounds to his bicep and back. He remains in hospital for treatment of minor injuries.
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The force has confirmed a number of patrols were dispatched to the area and a cordon was put in place by officers shortly after they arrived at the scene. Police have said an investigation is ongoing.
One witness reported seeing 'loads' of police vehicles and the North West Ambulance Service at the scene, while another said there were "flashing lights everywhere".
Read the full story here.
Ladies Day Grand National 2022 live
The Grand National continues today with the most glamorous event in the racing calendar - Ladies Day.
Following the excitement of the opening day of the Grand National, Ladies Day will celebrate the best in racing, style and fashion.
Seven races are scheduled for Ladies Day. Gates open at 10.30am, with the first race starting at 1.45pm and the last race concluding at 5.15pm.
You can watch the racing on ITV, Racing TV or listen to live commentary on talkSPORT2.
We will be bringing you all the best pictures of the fashions from the course and all the latest results and reaction from the day here.
Don't forget, you can join in by talking to one of our reporters or photographers on the course - just look out for the red microphone - or you can tweet us @LivEchoNews and tell us your stories.
