Rhys trial will be held in city

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The trial of a youth accused of murdering schoolboy Rhys Jones will be heard in Liverpool, a judge has ruled.

The trial of the 17-year-old alleged killer and six others accused of assisting him will begin on 2 October.

Rhys, 11, was shot dead as he walked home from football training in Croxteth Park, Liverpool, in August 2007.

Mr Justice Clarke dismissed an application from the murder accused's defence team that holding the trial in Liverpool could prejudice the outcome.

Stuart Lawson-Rogers QC, the barrister representing the accused, said media reporting was so extensive in the aftermath of the Croxteth Park shooting that the trial should be held away from Liverpool.

Eleven charged

But press reports surrounding the killing, police investigation and civic plans to celebrate Rhys's life had not created a serious risk of prejudice, said Mr Justice Clarke.

He added: "I am keeping the trial here and I refuse the application."

So far, 11 people have been charged in connection with the inquiry.

As well as the youth accused of Rhys's murder, five others have been charged with assisting an offender.

James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road, Croxteth, Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close, and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, Liverpool, and two boys aged 16 and 17, who cannot be identified, are all charged with assisting an offender.

Another 16-year-old boy is accused of assisting an offender and possessing a firearm and ammunition.

All seven appeared at Liverpool Crown Court via video link and are due to reappear at the court on 24 July for a plea and case management hearing.

In addition, couple Francis and Marie Yates, Janette Mercer, 48, and James Hughes, 22, all of Croxteth, Liverpool, have all been accused of perverting the course of justice and have been bailed to reappear on 2 October, when they are expected to enter pleas.

They will then be tried separately after the main trial is finished.