Ian Fitzgibbon is due to appear in court this morning charged with the murder of Ashley Dale.
The 28-year-old died after being found unresponsive in the back yard of her home on Leinster Road, Old Swan, shortly after midnight on August 21 last year. Detectives previously stated a gunman had burst through her front door and fired multiple shots "indiscriminately", one of which had struck the Knowsley Council environmental health officer in the abdomen.
Fitzgibbon was extradited back to the UK from Spain last week after being charged with her murder. The 28-year-old, of Heigham Gardens in St Helens, has also been charged with conspiracy to murder Lee Harrison, possession of a prohibited weapon – namely a Skorpion submachine gun and ammunition – with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon with intent to endanger life.
He appeared before Liverpool Magistrates' Court on Friday in order to face the charge. Fitzgibbon will now be brought before Liverpool Crown Court today, Tuesday.
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Four men are due to stand trial accused of Ms Dale's murder in October. Twenty-seven-year-old Sean Zeisz, of Longreach Road in Huyton, 26-year-old Niall Barry, of Moscow Drive in Tuebrook, 41-year-old James Witham, of Ashbury Road in Huyton, and 28-year-old Joseph Peers, of Woodlands Road in Roby, have all pleaded not guilty to the same charges.
Kallum Radford, 25, of Treatham Road in Kirkby, denies assisting an offender. A Merseyside Police spokesman said on Thursday evening: "A 28-year-old man from St Helens has been charged with the murder of 28-year-old Ashley Dale in Old Swan.
"Ian Fitzgibbon was extradited, with the support of the National Crime Agency's national extradition unit, from Spain this afternoon on a trade and cooperation agreement after being arrested by the Spanish National Police. He has been charged with the murder of Ashley Dale on August 21 2022, conspiracy to murder Lee Harrison, possession of a prohibited weapon, namely a Skorpion submachine gun pistol and associated ammunition, with intent to endanger life and conspiracy to possess a prohibited weapon, namely a Skorpion submachine gun and associated ammunition."
Ellen Kirwin
Fitzgibbon to be remanded into custody
That concludes the hearing.
Ellen Kirwin
Fitzgibbon trial set for October 2
Judge Menary formally remands Fitzgibbon into custody.
He will next appear before the court via video link on Monday, September 11.
His trial is set for October 2.
Ellen Kirwin
Fitzgibbon will not apply for bail
Mr Baxter speaks for Fitzgibbon now.
He says there will not be an application for bail on his behalf.
No submissions will be made on whether he should be tried on the same date today, although the defence counsel adds: “I note how close it is.”
Ellen Kirwin
Hearing is ready to begin
The judge enters, and the hearing is ready to begin.
Fitzgibbon speaks to confirm his name and date of birth.
Mr Langhorn addresses the court first.
He says a trial date has been fixed for October 2 in relation to the other defendants, with a pre-trial review scheduled for September 11.
The court is invited to adjourn Fitzgibbon’s case until that date in order to tie up with his co-defendants.
Mr Langhorn says that it is the crown’s intention that he be tried alongside the five other men on the date in just over a month’s time.
Ellen Kirwin
Fitzgibbon to appear via video link
The case is just about to be called on.
Fitzgibbon will be appearing via video link to HMP Manchester.
He is brought into the video link booth wearing a navy blue Nike jumper and with short dark hair and light stubble.
Ellen Kirwin
People involved in the case
Just to run you through the various parties in the case.
Alex Langhorn appears for the prosecution, with Fitzgibbon represented by Jamie Baxter.
The Honorary Recorder of Liverpool Judge Andrew Menary KC will be presiding over the hearing.
Ellen Kirwin
ECHO reporter Adam Everett is in court
Good morning from Liverpool Crown Court, we’re in position in the courtroom now.
The case is listed to begin from 10am, we will have updates for you as and when he is called on.