Tributes pour in for Liverpool legal legend

Mr Makin, who was known for his philanthropy, had been increasingly frail in recent years.

Tributes have been paid to renowned lawyer and freeman of Liverpool Rex Makin.

A source close to Mr Makin said everybody who knew the solicitor was “devastated” by his death.

Mr Makin practised law for more than 60 years and was involved with the Beatles’ early career and also the Hillsborough and Heysel disasters.

He was the family solicitor to Brian Epstein, who in 1963 sought his advice on setting up a perpetually binding contract between himself and the Beatles. He was also credited with creating the term Beatlemania.

Mr Makin also provided legal advice to a variety of celebrities and sports personalities including John Lennon, Gerry Marsden, Bill Shankly, Anne Robinson, Ken Dodd and Carla Lane.

In 2003 he was appointed a Freeman of the City of Liverpool, the first solicitor to receive that honour.