Memorial garden tribute to murdered Liverpool cadet

Joseph Lappin was at the youth club to watch a band practice

A memorial garden has been opened on Merseyside dedicated to murdered Liverpool teenager Joseph Lappin.

The 16-year-old Army cadet from Old Swan was stabbed outside Shrewsbury House youth club in Everton on 20 October, 2008.

The garden outside St Peter's Church next to the club has been created using money raised by the youth club, Army cadets and local groups and businesses.

It was opened by Joseph's parents Toni and Joe Lappin.

A band practice room at the youth club was also formally renamed the Joseph Lappin Music Suite in his honour.

Henry Corbett, vicar at St Peter's Church and warden at Shrewsbury House youth club, said: "We believe that this is a fitting way of creating a permanent memorial dedicated to the memory of Joseph Lappin.

"He was a tremendous role model, and his death was an awful and tragic event which shocked and appalled many people, especially the young people who attend the youth club.

"The new memorial garden and music suite named after him means that he will never, ever be forgotten and it will inspire all of us at Shrewsbury House to continue to provide the best educational programme to all young people."

Joseph had been visiting the club for the first time with friends to watch a band practice when he was attacked by a gang of 10 youths and men.

James Moore, 17, was jailed for a minimum of 17 years after admitting his murder while nine others were jailed after admitting conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.