'Justice has been done for Rhys'

The father of the 11-year-old schoolboy murdered when he got caught in the cross-fire of a warring gang said: "Finally justice has been done for Rhys."

Following the conviction of gang member Sean Mercer for the killing, Stephen Jones said his family can now begin rebuilding their lives.

Mr Jones, accompanied by his wife Melanie, read a statement outside court expressing thanks for all the messages of support they have received.

He said: "From the day Rhys died, the kindness shown to us by the people of Liverpool has been immeasurable. For this, we will always thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

"Over the months we have found strength in the messages of support from the many thousands of strangers around the world. For the family today this is not the final chapter in this tragedy but now at least we can begin the challenge of rebuilding our lives."

Mr Jones also thanked Merseyside Police officers involved in the case, including Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly, who ran the investigation, and family liaison officers, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service.

He said: "Finally justice has been done for Rhys."

Mr and Mrs Jones maintained a quiet dignity throughout the search for their son's killer and subsequent trial.

The day after 11-year-old Rhys was killed, the couple faced the media and made a heartbreaking appeal for information to catch those responsible. Rhys was cradled in his mother's arms in the car park of the Fir Tree pub, around 350 yards from their home in Croxteth Park, after he was shot by gang member Sean Mercer.

Three days later, the couple, and Rhys's older brother Owen, 18, stood on Everton Football Club's pitch at Goodison Park alongside team manager David Moyes as applause reverberated through the crowd in memory of Rhys.