Rhys Jones: Community wants Rhys’s murderer locked up

Feb 22 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post

Six months after 11-year-old Rhys Jones was shot dead in Croxteth Park, Liza Williams and Laura Sharpe report on a community trying to recover from the shock of a child’s death, and the fact a killer has yet to be brought to justice

THE prime suspect’s name in the Rhys Jones murder case has been spray painted on walls, posted on internet sites and is spoken of by many Croxteth Park residents every day.

But six months to the day after the little boy was shot walking home from football practice, nobody has been charged for the crime, despite 17 arrests and CCTV of the suspected killer escaping the scene on a mountain bike.

On Wednesday, Merseyside Police confirmed the gun used in the murder had been found, and added the force is endeavouring to produce a watertight case.

However, many residents feel a sense of frustration that the killer is still on the loose.

Mother-of-three Patricia Blair, 39, who lives on the estate, said: “There was a time, after Rhys’s murder, when lots of police were around but most of them have gone now.

“We are thinking, if they know who it is, why haven’t they got him and people are frustrated with that.

“It is scary that the murderer could still be walking around freely.”

But she says Croxteth Park is safe and she loves living there: “There are still definitely more police around than there was before it happened, it is getting better and I still feel very safe here.

“My lad plays football outside and I am happy with that.

“Just after it happened, I was scared about the children being outside but you cannot carry on living in fear and there is no need to. However, we do need more facilities, there are not enough things for the children to do. I think a community centre is a great idea and agree with Rhys’s parents on that.

“I feel much safer in Croxteth Park than I do in Croxteth.”

Local councillor Rose Bailey says that, although people are desperate for a charge to be brought against the killer, the community is also pulling together as a result.

“The community is frustrated with not having a result, but people are supporting the police. They understand the length of time it has taken and the reasons for that.

“On the positive side, people are getting together, it has strengthened the community to work together.

“I am delighted that (Rhys’s parents) Melanie and Steve have stayed within the community but obviously it is up to them what happens in the future.”

She added that nuisance crime appears to have dropped: “I have not had anything like the number of complaints about youths causing trouble – there has not been the mayhem that we had before.”

Another 58-year-old resident who has lived in the area for decades, said: “We’ve been left in the dark about the investigation, we’re still upset and the case is unsolved after what seems like a really long time.

“I used to walk my dog all hours of the day and evening but now I’m more cautious especially if there are groups of youths.

“I do feel safe in the area although I find 40 quarter-bottles of whisky and cans behind my house which all the teenagers have been drinking. Croxteth Park is a great place to live and I wouldn’t want to move anywhere else, it’s a shame the area has been tarnished by all the negative press and isolated events.”

Others say the number of houses for sale and the difficulty to sell reflects a wider negative perception of the area since Rhys’s death.

But local estate agents have dismissed this theory, attributing any unsuccessful sales to a market slowdown that has been seen throughout Liverpool and the country, not just in Croxteth Park.

Ken Stewart, a member of the residents association, thinks local people now feel more social responsibilty.

HE SAID: “Before, there was definitely a culture of shutting your door after work and not taking any notice of what was happening on the streets, but people try and help each other out more now.

“However, the sad death of Garry Newlove shows that can also end in tragedy so it is very difficult.

“This is a great area to live but it is not perfect and we need to face that.

“As with everywhere, there is a section of the community which we could really do without.”

He also hopes the Fir Tree pub, which was closed on February 6 by a licensing committee due to the disorder behind its doors, will return to its former glory.

He said: “I have not set foot in that pub for six years but before a series of bad decisions by the brewery, it was the hub of the community.

“It was a fantastic business and added to the sense of community spirit in the area. It could be great again and this would a brilliant thing for the residents.”

Cllr Phil Moffatt does not think the community will ever fully recover from Rhys’s death.

“Six months after the tragic death of Rhys, we as a community are still in shock at the events that unfolded within our neighbourhood.

“I don’t believe that the Croxteth community will ever truly come to terms with nor accept what took place on that Wednesday evening in August.

“The name of Rhys Jones is inextricably linked with our community, and the loss that his dear parents have to endure, has been felt by all who live here.

“Whilst I have every confidence in Merseyside Police prosecuting the killer, I would none the less want the police to produce a water-tight case, which would place this coward behind bars once and for all.

“I have no doubt that this indeed will happen, and perhaps then, and only then, can some form of closure be found for Rhys’s family, his friends and our community.”

MP Bob Wareing added: “A lot of what is happening these days in Croxteth and Norris Green has come to being because of the influence of gang culture.

“This has to be crushed and if more legislation is needed to allow the police to do this, I am all in favour of it.

“People are afraid to open their mouths, which means it is hard to gather evidence. I think a larger police presence would help – this gives people confidence.”

lizawilliams