Rhys Jones gunman guilty of murder
Sean Mercer, 18, convicted of murdering Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones
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Tuesday, 16, Dec 2008 11:14
An 18-year-old man convicted of the murder of Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones will serve a minimum of 22 years in jail.
Rhys, 11, was shot dead outside the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth last August as he made his way home from football practice.
Sean Mercer, from Croxteth, Liverpool, was found guilty of his murder at Liverpool crown court yesterday, but reporting restrictions meant the verdict could only be revealed today.
Rhys parents Melanie and Stephen expressed their "enormous gratitude" for the police and prosecutors who helped secure today's outcome and thanked the people of Liverpool for their "immeasurable kindness".
But Mr Jones added: "This is not the final chapter in this tragedy, but now at least we can begin the challenge of rebuilding our lives."
Mercer went on trial alongside six others accused of assisting an offender as well as possessing a firearm and ammunition, all of whom have also been found guilty.
James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, Croxteth; Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close, Croxteth Park; and Melvin Coy, 25, of Abbeyfield Drive, and Nathan Quinn, 18, of Wicket Close, both Croxteth; have all been convicted.
An underage defendant – previously known as Boy K – 17-year-old Dean Kelly was also convicted of assisting an offender. He will serve seven years in prison.
Sixteen-year-old Boy M, who has not yet been named outside of court, was also convicted on the same charge.
Jurors convicted Kelly of possessing two firearms and ammunition, while Yates was found guilty of possessing a prohibited firearm.
Avid Everton fan Rhys was shot after returning home from football practice.
During the trial, which began in October, prosecutors claimed Mercer fired three shots at rival gang members, one of which struck Rhys.
Prosecutors said Mercer showed no remorse during the police investigation and subsequent trial.
In the days after the shooting Mercer burned his clothes and doused himself in petrol to remove any traces of gunpowder.
Mercer, who turned 18 during proceedings, was 16 years old when he shot Rhys.
The crown prosecution service's (CPS) Helen Morris said: "Rhys Jones was doing what little boys do every day of the week across the country; walking home from football training.
"This senseless loss of innocent life shocked and saddened people in Liverpool and beyond."
Mr and Mrs Jones were praised by the CPS for their "amazing dignity and fortitude", and hope was expressed that today's verdicts would represent a small measure of comfort for the family.