Nine admit GBH in Army cadet murder case

Seven men and two youths have admitted conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm in connection with the murder of an Army cadet.

Joseph Lappin, 16, from Liverpool, was visiting a youth club when he was stabbed through the heart. James Moore, 17, admitted the murder at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday.

The victim, from the Liverpool Scottish Regiment, had travelled from his home to the Shrewsbury House Youth Club across the city in Everton on 20 October 2008, where he and his friends, Callum Naden and Greg Harold, were attending a band practice.

As the boys stood outside the club, they were confronted by the defendants, who had gone to Langrove Street looking for revenge following a fight between their gang and rivals earlier that day. The 10-strong group, armed with batons, sticks and bottles, as well as Moore's knife, chased the three boys around the building until they tried to get inside.

As they stood on the doorstep, Moore, then aged 15, stabbed Joseph through the heart, and Callum in the chest and leg. The latter survived the attack, but Joseph died soon after.

Moore pleaded guilty to the murder of Joseph and to wounding Callum with intent, and yesterday the remaining defendants admitted being part of the gang which attacked the three boys. The judge, Mr Justice Henriques, told the nine they would all receive jail terms, adding: "What you all did was quite shocking. Regrettably, you will pay the price in due course."

He remanded them in custody until 1 and 2 February when they will be sentenced alongside Moore.