Teenager denies Rhys Jones murder

Rhys was shot as he walked home from football practice

A teenager has appeared in court to deny the murder of 11-year-old schoolboy Rhys Jones.

Rhys was shot dead as he walked home from football practice near his home in Croxteth Park, Liverpool on 22 August.

The 17-year-old defendant, who cannot be named, entered his plea for the first time, at Liverpool Crown Court.

Six others denied charges of assisting an offender when they appeared - five in the dock and one via video link - at the same court.

One defendant appeared by video link after the hearing was adjourned for an hour because of technical problems.

Trial date

James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, Croxteth, Liverpool, has denied possessing a gun and assisting an offender by dumping the murder weapon and clothes.

Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close, and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, also denied assisting an offender.

Three other teenage boys, two aged 16 and a 17-year-old, also denied assisting the killer.

The 17-year-old boy also denied possessing a firearm and ammunition.

Rhys's parents Stephen, 45, and Melanie, 42, sat in court to watch the proceedings.

All seven accused will return to Liverpool Crown Court for trial on 2 October.

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Teenager denies murdering Rhys Jones