10/10/2008

Rhys Jones's Father Watches Footage Of Son Being Killed

The father of Rhys Jones has had to watch CCTV images which showed the killing of his 11-year-old son who was shot by a bullet in a gang feud.

Rhys's mother Melanie fled Liverpool Crown Court before the graphic footage was shown.

Seven men from Liverpool are standing trial after Rhys was shot dead in a pub car park in August 2007.

18-year-old Sean Mercer from Croxteth is accused of murder and six other fellow gang members are accused of helping him.

Mercer is denying murder.

Opening the prosecution case, Neil Flewitt QC told the jury: "Immediately after he killed Rhys Jones, Sean Mercer set about distancing himself from the tragic events at the Fir Tree public house. He moved quickly to dispose of his clothing, his pedal cycle and the gun that he had used to such devastating effect."

James Yates, 20, Melvin Coy, 25, and Gary Kays, 25, as well as two 17-year-old boys and a 16-year old boy, all deny assisting Mercer.

The case continues.

(CD/JM)


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01 April 2009
Rhys Killer's Mother Jailed For Three Years
The mother of the teenager convicted of murdering Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones, has been jailed for three years. Janette Mercer, 49, admitted perverting the course of justice at Liverpool Crown Court in February.
02 October 2008
Rhys Jones Accused Trial Begins
A teenager accused of murdering a Liverpool schoolboy is to go on trial today. Rhys Jones, aged 11, was shot dead on August 22 last year as he was making his way homes from football training in Croxteth Park, Liverpool.
29 January 2009
Mercer Gang Members Sentenced
Three gang members who helped the killer of Rhys Jones cover his tracks, have today been jailed. James Yates, 20, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court to seven years in prison, Dean Kelly, 17, four years and Nathan Quinn, 18, to two years.
16 December 2008
Teen Gang Member Sentenced To Life For Rhys Murder
A teenager found guilty of the murder of 11-year-old schoolboy Rhys Jones has been sentenced to life imprisonment. Gang member Sean Mercer, 18, of Croxteth was convicted of the murder following a nine-week trial at Liverpool Crown Court.
28 August 2007
Rhys' Parents Plea To Killer
The parents of murdered Merseyside schoolboy Rhys Jones have appealed for his killer to turn himself in to police. Melanie and Stephen Jones have also pleaded for the killer's parents to come forward. Speaking to reporters, Mrs Jones said: "What kind of people are they? They must know it's their kid.