Rhys accused did not face court

Schoolboy Rhys Jones was shot outside the Fir Tree pub

A defendant in the Rhys Jones trial stayed away from court today, while his co-defendants appeared in the dock.

The 16-year-old, known as Boy M, is accused of assisting an offender along with four others.

At Liverpool Crown Court Sean Mercer is accused of the murder of Rhys Jones. Mr Mercer denies the charge.

The 18-year-old of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, is alleged to have shot the schoolboy dead in the car park of the Firtree pub on 22 August.