Four remanded over Rhys inquiry

Rhys was shot dead in August 2007

Four people have appeared in court charged in connection with the Rhys Jones murder investigation.

Couple Francis and Marie Yates, Janette Mercer, 48, and James Hughes, 22, all of Croxteth, Liverpool, were accused of perverting the course of justice.

The four spoke only to confirm their names during the brief hearing at Liverpool Crown Court.

The judge released them on bail to reappear on 2 October, when they are expected to enter pleas.

Mr and Mrs Yates, aged 48 and 50, of Dodman Close, Mrs Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, and Mr Hughes, of Willow Way, will reappear on the day the murder trial is due to get under way.

Liverpool Crown Court heard that they will be tried separately after that trial is finished.

Rhys, 11, was shot in the neck as he walked home from football practice in Croxteth Park, Liverpool, in August 2007.

Further charges

On Friday, his parents, Stephen, 45, and Melanie, 42, attended court to watch the proceedings alongside Det Supt Dave Kelly of Merseyside Police.

A 17-year-old youth, who cannot be named, has already been charged with Rhys's murder and is awaiting trial.

A further six people have been charged over the shooting in the car park of the Fir Tree pub near Rhys's family home 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.

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