Richard Littler KC secures murder acquittal

May 22, 2026

Following a four-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, Richard Littler KC from Exchange Chambers, leading Mark Friend, secured a murder acquittal for his client, Riley McDermott.

Vernard Murray, 26, died after being stabbed twice in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, on October 23 last year, following a car crash shortly before the fatal stabbing.

Lee Williams, 19 (11/08/2006), John Harte, 19 (08/01/2007), and Riley McDermott, 18 (16/03/2008), all denied murder.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants had carried out a planned and targeted attack. The case involved detailed evidence concerning the vehicle pursuit, collision, and foot chase culminating in the fatal stabbing.

Jurors unanimously convicted Williams of murder, while Harte and McDermott were acquitted of murder and convicted of manslaughter.

The careful and detailed preparation of the case by the defence team began almost immediately after Mr McDermott’s arrest. The distinction between murder and manslaughter was central to the case, with the jury ultimately acquitting Mr McDermott of the gravest charge he faced.

Richard Littler KC was instructed by Anton Patton of Potter Derby Solicitors.

Richard Littler KC is regularly instructed in the most serious and high-profile criminal cases and, during 2024 and 2025, secured five separate murder acquittals for clients following lengthy and complex trials.