Rhys murder trial jury sent home

The jury in the trial of a teenager accused of murdering Rhys Jones has been sent home for the night.

Sean Mercer, 18, denies shooting the 11-year-old in the car park of the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth Park, Liverpool, on 22 August 2007.

Rhys was on his way home from football practice when he was hit by one of three bullets fired by a gunman.

The jury was sent out to deliberate their verdicts on Wednesday morning. They are due to return on Thursday.

Mr Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, claims he was at a friend's house, watching a DVD at the time.

Charges denied

The prosecution claim that Mr Mercer is a member of the Croxteth Crew gang and was responsible for firing the three shots, targeting members of a rival gang.

Six other people are on trial at Liverpool Crown court accused of assisting an offender.

They 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; and Boy M, 16, and Boy K, 17, who cannot be identified.

Boy K is also charged with possession of a firearm and ammunition. All the defendants deny all charges.

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