COMPARE for a moment the dignity and courage of Rhys Jones’s parents on the court steps yesterday with some of the national media’s coverage of this tragedy.
Stephen and Melanie Jones, speaking just minutes after Sean Mercer was convicted of murdering their 11-year-old son, told of their thankfulness for the "kindness" of the people of Liverpool.
Their determination to pay tribute to those who have supported them through their heartbreak was a wonderful and touching moment in a day filled with emotion.
Likewise, the efforts of Merseyside Police in the case must be commended – the painstaking and relentless way in which evidence was acquired and compiled demonstrates the immense quality and dedication of its officers; we should all salute their efforts and success.
Coverage at the time of the tragedy, though intense, recognised gun culture as a nationwide – not "Liverpool" – problem. Sadly, in some quarters of the broadcast media yesterday, Liverpool was back in the dock. It almost seemed as though justice for Rhys became a side issue for some news outlets, allowing them instead to concentrate on what they persist in viewing as an enduring gang feud. In fact, it is merely the ridiculous antics of a few, pathetic, balaclava-wearing idiots whose aspirations begin and end with owning a large dog and being on YouTube.
The murder of Rhys Jones has tarnished Liverpool, and the image of the smiling, blue-eyed Everton lad will never be forgotten by its people, but his death should not be allowed to define the city in the future. We should, instead, remember the kindness and dedication that his family paid tribute to yesterday. That is a fitting legacy for Rhys.
