Jury told 'lone gunman' shot Rhys

Rhys Jones died after he was shot in a pub car park

A "lone gunman" was responsible for the murder of 11-year-old Rhys Jones in Croxteth, a jury has been told.

Defence barrister Gordon Harrison said the killing did not have the "hallmarks of a gang related incident".

Sean Mercer, 18, is accused of killing Rhys as he walked home from football practice outside the Fir Tree pub.

Mr Harrison, who represents defendant James Yates, 20, who denies assisting an offender, was giving his closing speech at Liverpool Crown Court.

Mr Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, denies murdering the schoolboy on 22 August last year.

Mr Mercer, the prosecution alleged, was a member of north Liverpool gang the Croxteth Crew.

One cannot possibly imagine what it must be like to lose a child Gordon Harrison, defence barrister for James Yates

The court had earlier heard that Mr Mercer was targeting members of rivals the Strand Gang when he fired the shots, one of which killed Rhys.

Mr Yates and five others are accused of helping Mr Mercer destroy his clothing, dispose of the bike he was riding and hide the murder weapon.

Mr Harrison added: "The tragic events at the Fir Tree public house had the most profound effect on the people of Liverpool and beyond.

"But the most profound occurrence has been the utterly devastating effect on the parents of Rhys Jones.

"One cannot possibly imagine what it must be like to lose a child in those dreadful and violent circumstances."

Washed with petrol

The defence barrister said Mr Yates was in a sweet shop and "could not have been more disinterested in what was going on" at the Fir Tree pub on the night Rhys was killed.

"This theory that this was a gang related incident falls flat," added Mr Harrison.

He added there was "no evidence whatsoever" to link Mr Yates to the lock-up garage where the prosecution said Mr Mercer was stripped and washed with petrol to remove gun residue.

Nathan Quinn's barrister, Laura Quinn, added her client was a victim of lies by defendant Boy M.

She argued that there was no evidence Mr Quinn helped dispose of the murder weapon or was contacted by any of the other defendants on the night of the murder.

Miss Quinn added: "Remember, he is supposed to be a member of the Croxteth Crew, but no-one rings him before 1900 GMT to tell him what was happening or rings him after to tell him what did happen."

Those on trial accused of assisting an offender are James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road and Nathan Quinn, 18, of Wickett Close, both Croxteth; Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, Liverpool, along with Boy M, 16, and Boy K, 17, who cannot be named.

They deny all the charges.

Boy K is also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition, which he also denies.