Sean Mercer gets life for Rhys Jones murder

Dec 17 2008 Chloe Griffiths, Liverpool Daily Post

TEENAGE gunman Sean Mercer was branded a coward last night as he was jailed for life for murdering Rhys Jones.

Croxteth Crew gang member Mercer will serve a minimum of 22 years after killing the innocent 11-year-old as he fired at Norris Green rivals across the Fir Tree pub car park in Croxteth Park in August 2007.

The 18-year-old showed little emotion as he was told he would be detained for life at Her Majesty’s Pleasure by Mr Justice Irwin.

The High Court judge told Mercer he would be on the "verge of being a middle-aged man" before even being considered for release.

The teenager puffed out his cheeks and nodded at his dad Joseph McCormick, who was close to tears in the public gallery.

Speaking outside court after Mercer’s conviction, Rhys’s dad Stephen Jones said: "Finally justice has been done."

Supported by his wife Melanie, he praised the police for their "professionalism and perseverance", before thanking the people of Liverpool for their support.

Looking pale and strained, Mr Jones, 45, said: "From the day Rhys died the kindness shown to us by the people of Liverpool has been immeasurable.

"For this we will always be thankful from the bottom of our hearts.

"Over the months, we found strength in the support from the many thousands of strangers from around the world.

"For us as a family today this is not the final chapter in this tragedy, but at least we can begin the challenge of rebuilding our lives."

Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, the senior investigating officer in the case, said Mercer had shown no remorse throughout the case: "Since the senseless murder of Rhys Jones, this family has suffered untold grief and distress.

"Merseyside Police and the Crown Prosecution Service have worked tirelessly over the past 16 months to bring this case to court, and it is fair to say that since the killing of Rhys, Sean Mercer has shown no remorse.

"We only hope that the verdict today will bring home to him the enormity of what he has done and the pain and heartache he has caused."

Supported by family liaison officers, Rhys’ parents have attended every day of the 10-week trial.

Mrs Jones, 42, buried her head in to her husband’s shoulder and wept as the jury found Mercer guilty on Monday.