THE Crown Prosecution Service has explained why charges were not taken against Leighton Holt for carrying a knife.

Leighton Holt, 21, of Custley Hey in Stockbridge Village, faced two trials in connection with the fatal stabbing of 29-year-old Danny Fox from Thatto Heath on Friday, September 2 last year.

Yesterday, Wednesday, November 22, after nearly 29 hours of deliberations, a retrial jury failed to decide whether or not Holt was guilty – leading the judge to discharge them and find Holt not guilty.

A number of Star readers have since questioned why no charges were brought for knife possession.

Siobhan Blake, Chief Crown Prosecutor with MerseyCheshire CPS said: “The Crown Prosecution Service placed a murder charge on the indictment to reflect the seriousness of what had happened on September 2 2016 when Danny Fox died.

“We would not generally add a separate count of possession of a knife where the prosecution allege that the weapon has been used to commit a murder.

“The jury were unable to reach a decision in this case.

“The Crown Prosecution Service respects this and in accordance with our Legal Guidance we have decided not to request that Mr Holt be tried for a third time which has meant that the judge has directed that a Not Guilty verdict be recorded in respect of Leighton Holt.

“Our thoughts remain with the family of Danny Fox.”

THE family of Danny Fox will stage a peaceful demonstration outside Liverpool Crown Court tomorrow morning. (Friday, November 24)

The relatives and friends of the children's care worker, will be highlighting concerns over the criminal justice system.

The peaceful event will begin at 10.30am, Danny's auntie Dawn Jones has confirmed.

The family will also be contacting the St Helens South and Whiston MP Marie Rimmer in the hope she will take up their case in Parliament.

Holt slashed Danny in the neck with a butterfly knife, inflicting a fatal wound, however, he said he was acting in self-defence.

It is understood Danny's family are still gathering their thoughts following yesterday's outcome and will make a statement at a later date.

The event will be the first stage of the family's campaign.

Meanwhile, a vigil in support of the family will also take place on tomorrow, Friday in Victoria Square.

It is scheduled to take place from 6pm until 7pm and people are being asked to bring candles and lights.