Rhys murder accused had 'intense hatred' of rival gang

Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones was murdered because of the “intense hatred” of alleged gunman Sean Mercer towards members of a rival gang, a jury was told today.

In his closing speech at Liverpool Crown Court, Neil Flewitt QC, prosecuting, said “wholly innocent” Rhys died because Mercer was “willing to take a risk” and fire gunshots across the car park of a busy pub in broad daylight.

Rhys, 11, was killed at the Fir Tree Public House in Croxteth, Liverpool, on August 22 last year.

Mercer, (aged 18), of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, denies murder and denies being a member of the Croxteth Crew gang.

The prosecution claim he blasted three shots across the car park after targeting members of the rival Strand Gang who had strayed onto his turf.

Mr Flewitt said: “Rhys Jones died because of Sean Mercer’s hatred for members of the Strand Gang.

“Sean Mercer’s hatred was so intense he was willing to take the risk of firing shots across the car park of the Fir Tree public house in full view of the many customers who had gone there for a quiet drink.

"His victim was a wholly innocent schoolboy who was making his way home from football practice.

“The fact that he remained at liberty for so long is a consequence of the willingness of certain residents of Croxteth to cover up even the most appalling of crimes.”

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

Mr Flewitt outlined a long history of gun-related and violent incidents involving the Croxteth Crew and Strand Gang.

He described Rhys as “the youngest and most tragic victim of the senseless spiral of violence between the two gangs”.