Rhys teenager committed for trial

Rhys was shot dead in a Croxteth pub car park in August 2007

A youth accused of murdering Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones has been committed to crown court for trial.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, appeared in a youth court via video link and was committed to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday.

Rhys' parents, Stephen and Melanie, were in court for proceedings.

Six other people have been charged over the shooting in the car park of the Fir Tree pub near the family home in Croxteth Park in August 2007.

James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, Croxteth; Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close, and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, Liverpool, and two boys aged 16 and 17, who cannot be identified, are charged with assisting an offender.

A second 16-year-old boy is accused of assisting an offender and possessing a firearm and ammunition.

All six have been remanded in custody to appear at the city's Crown Court on 2 June.

Rhys, 11, was shot in the neck as he walked home from football practice.