Graham Sankey accused of attacking a Liverpool councillor

by John Harkin. Published Mon 02 Nov 2009 10:53, Last updated: 2009-11-02
Councillor Joe Anderson
Councillor Joe Anderson

The man who once confessed to the crime for which Liverpool fan Michael Shields was wrongly imprisoned has been arrested over an alleged attack on a campaigner.

Graham Sankey, 24, is accused of attacking Liverpool city councillor Joe Anderson after Everton's 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Saturday.

Labour councillor Mr Anderson was returning home from the game with his son when he claims he was threatened and abused by two men.

The attackers labelled him "a f*cking grass" before vandalising his car, leaving two dents in the roof.

And Mr Anderson, 50, is convinced the attack was linked to his high-profile involvement in the campaign to win justice for Michael Shields.

He said: "The traffic was just crawling and we were by the Clarence Pub when I recognised one of the lads straight away from my involvement in Michael's campaign.

"They were both shouting at me and calling me a f***ing grass and saying I'd better watch myself. The traffic wasn't moving so I had to sit there and put up with it.

"They went on for a while shouting all sorts of abuse and then I heard two loud bangs and realised something had hit the roof of the car.

"I saw one of the lads running away back towards the one I recognised. It was a frightening experience, especially for my son because he didn't know whether they were going to try and get into the car and attack us.

"I won't let this sort of behaviour and threats intimidate me. Calling me a grass is pathetic. I stood up for what is right and it's only a shame other people concerned in the case couldn't do that."

Graham Sankey signed a written confession to the attack on Bulgarian waiter Martin Georgief in 2005, but later withdrew his statement saying he got confused with another incident.

Michael was granted a pardon from the British government in August this year after serving four years behind bars.

Michael has paid tribute to Cllr Anderson for his key role in securing his release.

A police spokesman said: "Merseyside Police can confirm it is investigating following an allegation by a member of the public that he was verbally abused and damage was caused to his car during an incident in Cherry Lane on Saturday, October 31.

"An officer visited the complainant shortly after the incident was reported to the police and a statement was taken.

"A 24-year-old man from the Wavertree area has subsequently been arrested in connection with the incident and is helping police with their enquiries."





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