A boy told the Rhys Jones murder trial today that he hid the gun from police because he was frightened of the alleged killer and his gang.
The 17-year-old, who cannot be identified, claims he collected the 1915 Smith and Wesson pistol from accused Sean Mercer shortly after 11-year-old Rhys was shot.
The witness, who has been granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for his testimony, says he then hid the gun in a dog kennel for five days until it was placed in his loft by Boy K, one of Mercer’s friends.
The weapon was only found when police raided the witness’s home more than a month after Rhys was killed on August 22 last year.
Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, Liverpool, denies murder and denies being a member of the Croxteth Crew gang.
During cross-examination at Liverpool Crown Court, Tim Clark, defending Boy M, said to the witness: “When you were on holiday and you heard about the police raiding your home, you were frightened and it is right to say you collapsed, isn’t it?
“Even though you were in Florida, you felt complete terror at what they might do to you, even though you were a continent and not a street away?”
The boy said: “Yes.”
