‘Rhys Jones died because of hatred for rival gang’

Nov 26 2008 by Ben Rossington, Liverpool Daily Post

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THE teenager who allegedly killed Rhys Jones was so intent on shooting rival gang members he fired even after seeing the innocent schoolboy fall, a court heard.

At Liverpool Crown Court yesterday, with all evidence in the case now finished, the jury began hearing closing speeches.

Neil Flewitt, QC, prosecuting, said alleged killer Sean Mercer’s “intense hatred” of opposition from Norris Green saw the 18-year-old, of Croxteth, fire one more bullet after he shot 11-year-old Rhys.

Mr Flewitt told the jury: “The gunman was so intent on hitting his target that he fired his third and final shot after the shot that struck and killed Rhys Jones.”

Mercer, it is alleged, fired three times across the car park of the Fir Tree pub at members of the Norris Green Strand Gang, with the second bullet hitting Rhys.

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 in full view of the many customers who had gone there for a quiet drink or to watch the England versus Germany football match which was taking place that night.

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

“The fact 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.”

He added: “Rhys Jones became the youngest and most tragic victim of the spiralling and senseless violence which had become a feature of the rivalry between the Croxteth Crew and the Strand Gang.”

Mr Flewitt then mentioned the possibility other counsel might suggest this was not a case of murder, but one of manslaughter.

He said to the jury: “It is for the prosecution to make you sure Sean Mercer is guilty of murder and so proving when he fired those shots he intended to kill or cause really serious injury to someone.