TWO men have been jailed after the murder of 21-year-old Billy Livesley.

David Connor, 27, of Bickershaw Lane in Wigan, was found guilty of the murder of Billy Livesley, from Platt Bridge.

Mr Livesley was struck over the head with a crowbar and was fatally wounded.

Connor was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum of 17 years at Manchester Crown Court today.

Jimmy Price, 22, also of Bickershaw Lane, was also sentenced to 18 months for perverting the course of justice.

During a three week trial, the court heard how on December 28 2018, Mr Livesley had been in a car park on Bickershaw Lane with his girlfriend and a friend when a white Ford Transit Connect van – driven by Price – pulled up.

A man emerged from the van and approached Mr Livesley, who instinctively backed away. After spotting Mr Livesley’s attempts to flee, Connor also got out of the van and fatally struck him in the head with a crowbar.

Connor was then heard exclaiming "I’ve killed him, I’ve killed him" before he fled with Price and the other man in the van.

Around ten minutes after the attack, Price drove the white van away from the immediate area and abandoned it on Belmont Avenue in an attempt to conceal it from detectives.

Police and paramedics were called to the scene but Mr Livesley died the following evening from his injuries despite the best efforts of emergency services and specialist doctors.

Billy Livesley's family paid tribute to him, with his parents saying the loss of their "one in a million" son has broken the whole family.

Mr Livesley's father, Scott Livesley, said: “Billy was a fun loving and outgoing young man who loved all his family. Billy was over the moon about becoming a first time Dad. He would light up any room he walked in with his million dollar smile.

“Billy was a keen rugby player and loved football. His beloved football team Everton paid tribute to Billy which he would have loved and as a family we are forever grateful.

“Billy had a special bond with his siblings and loved his mum and dad unconditionally. Billy will never be forgotten and losing him has left a huge hole in our family. Our lives will never be the same again. We love you Billy.”

Mr Livesley's mother, Sylvia Mitchell, said: “My son’s life was brutally taken away from me. He was one in a million and had a heart of gold. He would do anything for anyone. His heart was bigger than him.

“Losing Billy has destroyed my life. I’ve been deprived of being able to watch him grow up to be the best dad he could ever be. The loss of Billy has broken the whole family and also our community.

“He was a kind, loving and caring person and I am so proud to call him my son.

“Thousands came to his funeral and this just shows how well known and loved he was. Rest in peace young man, mum will always love you.”