A self-professed “hardman” who killed a teenager in a brutal street attack and was at the centre of a police manhunt has been tracked down by detectives.
The man on the loose was Michael Sands from Crosby, who carried out a “wicked, premeditated and shocking” attack on 18-year-old Neil Murphy in June 2010.
Mr Murphy suffered extensive brain damage and his life-support machine was turned off days later – just three weeks before his 19th birthday.
The killer was released from prison on October 27, 2020 after serving part of his sentence for manslaughter.
And he found himself at the centre of a police manhunt with police wanting to put him back behind bars, confirming he is wanted on a recall to prison after allegedly breaching the conditions of his licence, which was revoked.
But today confirmed Sands had been located and arrested.
He was tracked down and arrested in Liverpool this morning, police confirmed.
Sands was arrested in Walton.
A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "Michael Sands has now been arrested, thanks for sharing this appeal."
After the attack which claimed Mr Murphy's life in 2010, Sands was jailed for manslaughter for eight-and-a-half years with an extended licence of two-and-a-half years.
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After Speed caught and restrained Mr Murphy, Sands repeatedly punched and kicked the 10-stone teenager while he lay helpless on the ground in the deadly attack on June 5, 2010.
Sands, then, 22 (now 32), had pursued the teenager with the help of accomplice Thomas Speed, 23, after a chance meeting in Netherton.
