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Rhys trial shown pictures of gun Rhys witness refuses to testify
(19 minutes later)
Pictures of the gun allegedly used to kill schoolboy Rhys Jones have been shown to the jury at his murder trial. A relative of the teenager accused of murdering schoolboy Rhys Jones has refused to answer questions in court.
The Smith and Wesson .455 revolver was found in the loft of a house in Croxteth a month after Rhys was killed, Liverpool Crown Court heard. The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified but is related to Sean Mercer, 18, of Croxteth, was called as a witness at Liverpool Crown Court.
A second gun - a converted imitation Walther PPK self-loading pistol - and a bundle of ammunition were also found in the Merseyside Police search. He was asked several questions by Neil Flewitt QC, prosecuting, but said he was "too scared" to answer.
Sean Mercer, 18, of Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, denies murder. The judge held him in contempt of court and told him to report back to court on Monday with legal representation.
Mr Mercer has also denied being part of a gang called the Croxteth Crew. Mr Mercer, of Good Shepherd Close, denies murder.
The prosecution alleges that Mr Mercer cycled to the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth on 22 August last year. The teenage witness was asked by Mr Flewitt: "Where were you when you heard about the shooting of Rhys Jones?"
They say he then fired three shots across the car park at alleged members of rival group the Strand Gang, based in the neighbouring Norris Green estate.
The loft was raided by police a month after Rhys was killed
The jury has been told the second bullet struck Rhys as he made his way home from football practice. Shortly afterwards he died in his mother Melanie's arms.
In a statement read to the jury by Neil Flewitt QC, prosecuting, Pc Mark Andrew Gibbs, who was taking part in the search, said: "I noticed a red and white plastic bag in the far end of the wall and furthest away from the loft hatch.
"I alerted my colleague as the bag seemed out of place. I pulled the bag back and noticed it contained something. I saw a black revolver and a black semi-automatic pistol. Arms teams were requested and the bag was left in situ."
Refused to answer
A 16-year-old relative of Sean Mercer, who cannot be identified, was later called to give evidence but refused.
Mr Flewitt asked him: "Where were you when you heard about the shooting of Rhys Jones?"
The boy said: "No comment."The boy said: "No comment."
The loft was raided by police a month after Rhys was killed
Mr Flewitt asked him: "Where were you on the night of 22 August last year?"Mr Flewitt asked him: "Where were you on the night of 22 August last year?"
The boy again replied: "No comment."The boy again replied: "No comment."
Rhys Jones was shot outside the Fir Tree pub
Mr Flewitt continued: "Who were you with on that night?"Mr Flewitt continued: "Who were you with on that night?"
The boy said for a third time: "No comment."The boy said for a third time: "No comment."
The trial judge, Mr Justice Irwin, then turned to the videolink and spoke to the boy directly, saying: "Everyone can see it's not easy to give evidence, but you have a duty to do it."The trial judge, Mr Justice Irwin, then turned to the videolink and spoke to the boy directly, saying: "Everyone can see it's not easy to give evidence, but you have a duty to do it."
The boy told His Honour: "I'm not prepared to give evidence against a family member."The boy told His Honour: "I'm not prepared to give evidence against a family member."
The judge later added: "You have a duty to answer the questions."The judge later added: "You have a duty to answer the questions."
The boy said: "I'm just so nervous and scared. I don't want to give evidence against a family member."The boy said: "I'm just so nervous and scared. I don't want to give evidence against a family member."
The boy was held in contempt of court and told to report back to court on Monday with legal representation. Loft raided
The court had earlier been shown photographs of the gun allegedly used to shoot Rhys.
The Smith and Wesson .455 revolver was found in the loft of a house in Croxteth a month after Rhys was killed, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
A second gun - a converted imitation Walther PPK self-loading pistol - and a bundle of ammunition were also found in the Merseyside Police search.
The prosecution has said that Mr Mercer, allegedly a member of gang the Croxteth Crew, cycled to the Fir Tree pub in Croxteth on 22 August last year.
Rhys Jones was shot outside the Fir Tree pub
They say he then fired three shots across the car park at alleged members of rival group the Strand Gang, based in the neighbouring Norris Green estate.
The jury has been told the second bullet struck Rhys as he made his way home from football practice. Shortly afterwards he died in his mother Melanie's arms.
In a statement read to the jury by Neil Flewitt QC, prosecuting, Pc Mark Andrew Gibbs, who was taking part in the search for the gun, said: "I noticed a red and white plastic bag in the far end of the wall and furthest away from the loft hatch.
"I alerted my colleague as the bag seemed out of place. I pulled the bag back and noticed it contained something. I saw a black revolver and a black semi-automatic pistol. Arms teams were requested and the bag was left in situ."
James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road; Nathan Quinn, of Wickett Close, both Croxteth; Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, Liverpool, are accused of assisting an offender along with Boy M, 16, and Boy K, 17, who cannot be named. All six deny the charges.James Yates, 20, of Dodman Road; Nathan Quinn, of Wickett Close, both Croxteth; Gary Kays, 25, of Mallard Close and Melvin Coy, 24, of Abbeyfield Drive, both West Derby, Liverpool, are accused of assisting an offender along with Boy M, 16, and Boy K, 17, who cannot be named. All six deny the charges.