Founding member of KEIOC and Top Toffeeman, AJ Clarke, was killed in November 2007 by a single blow delivered by the then 21 year old Malik Al-Brumy. The blow caused massive brain injuries to which AJ, 45, later succumbed.
Despite an extensive appeal by police, including a feature on Crimewatch in 2009, Al-Brumy and his cohort Ben Thompson, who was present during the incident, remained quiet until a tip-off from a member of the public led to his arrest.
Yesterday, some sort of justice was administerd as AJ's killer was sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Sentencing Al-Brumy, Judge Clement Goldstone QC, Recorder of Liverpool, said the fact he kept quiet for so long only prolonged the agony for Mr Clarke's family.
Judge Goldstone QC said: 'Tragically AJ Clarke had sustained fatal head injuries which you did not intend but for which you now must accept responsibility.
'You left AJ Clarke lying where he was with no concern for his wellbeing. You told the jury if you had known he had struck his head you would have gone to his assistance. You knew yet you did not.'
'I accept that this matter happened a long time ago. Two years passed before you were first interviewed and another two years before you sat before the first jury which could not reach a verdict. If you had come forward in 2007, justice would have been done very much sooner.'
'No sentence which I pass can bring back AJ Clarke. His wife and family are much the sadder for his passing. I only hope they can move on and get some measure of closure now that you have been convicted for manslaughter.'
The judge added that Al Brumy had shown no remorse.
AJ's wife Janet said: 'Although it has taken some time to reach this decision I feel it will help me and my family to move forward now - although it will never replace AJ in all our hearts.'
'Despite it being more than four years since his death he is still missed immensely not only by me, but also by our children and grandson and his many friends and the rest of his family.'
'He was a hugely popular person who had such a big character that I don't feel I'll ever come to terms with his loss. However now the court case is concluded it will allow us all to move forward with our lives. I would like to thank my friends, family and Merseyside Police for their help and support throughout the last four years.'
The thoughts of all Evertonians are with Janet and AJ's family and his close friends.
AJ Clarke R.I.P.
For original AJ Clarke obituary click here
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