A WIRRAL man accused of murdering father-of-two Graham McKenna appeared for the first time at Liverpool Crown Court today.

Gary Finlay, 46, is alleged to have killed Mr McKenna, a TA soldier, and attempted to murder his teenage son Michael.

Mr McKenna, 45, who served with the Cheshire Regiment for 22 years before joining the local Territorial Army, was stabbed to death as he walked to catch a bus to Goodison Park with his 14-year-old son to watch an Everton game.

He was knifed on Foxglove Road and staggered around the corner before collapsing in Speedwell Road. He died in Arrowe Park Hospital following the attack on January 10.

His son, a pupil at Ridgeway School, Prenton, was stabbed nine times, but survived. Mr McKenna was laid to rest after a full military funeral on March 2.

Finlay, of Alexandra Road, Birkenhead, appeared via video-link from Walton Prison before Judge John Roberts. He spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood proceedings.

Judge John Roberts remanded him in custody until June 15 when he is due to enter his pleas. A provisional trial date was fixed for October 5.