Rhys mother 'cradled' dying son

Melanie and Stephen Jones's son was shot near their home

The mother of schoolboy Rhys Jones, who was shot dead outside a Liverpool pub, has described how she cradled her son as paramedics tried to save his life.

In a witness statement read out at the trial of the teenager accused of Rhys's murder, Melanie Jones described being in a state of "total shock".

She said that after her son was shot she "didn't take anything in".

Sean Mercer, 18, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, denies murder. Six others face charges with Mr Mercer.

Mrs Jones said she was told of the shooting by the coach of her son's football team.

They drove to the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth where Rhys was being treated.

She said: "As I arrived at the Fir Tree I saw a number of people, including police and paramedics attending to my son, Rhys.

"Close family"

"I cradled him while the paramedics dealt with him. I then went with my son to Alder Hey Hospital where he was pronounced dead."

Mrs Jones, 43, added: "My son Rhys was a happy, outgoing child whose favourite sport was football. He supported Everton Football Club and had a season ticket with his dad and brother. They went to all the home games.

Mother 'cradled shot Rhys'

"Rhys was a very good footballer. Football was his life and he had a very good circle of friends who he played football with.

"He had a very happy and stable family upbringing. We are a very close family."

Rhys was killed on 22 August 2007 as he crossed the front car park of the pub on his way home from football training.

The others face who face charges alongside Mr Mercer are:

James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, Croxteth; Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both of West Derby, Liverpool; and two boys aged 16 and 17, who cannot be identified. They are all accused of assisting an offender.

A second 17-year-old boy has been charged with assisting an offender and possessing a firearm and ammunition.

All deny the charges.

The trial continues.