Youth in court over Rhys murder

Rhys was shot dead in August 2007

A youth accused of murdering 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Liverpool has appeared in court.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, appeared via video link at Liverpool Crown Court and spoke only to confirm his details.

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

All six also appeared via video link and were remanded in custody.

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.

Trial date

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

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

His parents Stephen and Melanie, attended the hearing before the Recorder of Liverpool, Henry Globe QC.

The judge told the defendants their trial was likely to start on 2 October.

He adjourned the case until 24 July, when the seven defendants are expected to enter pleas.