A 23-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Garston teenager Vinny Waddington.
Ryan Bate, formerly of Earp Street in Garston but now of no fixed address, is alleged to have shot 18-year-old Vinny in Banks Lane, Garston, at around 9pm on July 14.
Bate is also charged with attempted wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm to a man called Francis Humphries, in connection with the same incident.
Vinny died after being shot while riding as a pillion passenger on a scrambler bike, which was being driven by Mr Humphries.
The bike had been chased by an Audi car.
Bate spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court.
District Judge Wendy Lloyd passed the case to Liverpool Crown Court where Bate will appear for a bail hearing on Wednesday, before Recorder of Liverpool Judge Clement Goldstone, QC.
Police said at the time the shooting was targeted, but Vinny’s family say he was not a gang member.
In a statement after his death, Vinny’s family said: “He was a normal 18-year-old young intelligent lad from the inner city who any working class family would relate to.
“This handsome boy meant the world to his dad along with his sister, brother, grandparents and entire family. He is leaving behind his dog, Bruno, who is going to deeply miss him, they were characters together – Vincent with his cheeky smile and Bruno being Bruno.
“Vincent was a huge part of his community and loved by everyone. When he was asked to be a godfather he couldn’t wait and now sadly that moment won’t come.”
Source: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/