Mother of Rhys's killer jailed

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Janette Mercer, 49, admitted perverting the course of justice at Liverpool Crown Court in February.

She supported her gang member son when he told police he owned a black and cream mountain bike, not the silver bicycle which was caught on CCTV being used by the gunman.

Rhys's parents Stephen and Melanie Jones were in court to hear Judge Henry Globe QC tell Mercer: "Your son was a key suspect in the murder and you knew he had told a pack of lies. You backed him up and you told more lies."

Also sentenced were Francis and Marie Yates, the parents of Sean Mercer's co-accused James Yates.

Marie Yates, 51, hindered the murder investigation by destroying a mobile phone Sim card belonging to James which could have provided police with crucial evidence.

Francis Yates, 49, was with his wife when the Sim was set on fire. He also suggested a false alibi to help Mercer cover his tracks.

The couple, of Dodman Road, Croxteth, pleaded guilty to perverting the course of justice just as their trial was due to begin. Both were sentenced to 18 months in jail for destroying the Sim card and Francis Yates was jailed for three years, to be served consecutively, for helping establish the alibi.

Rhys's parents Stephen and Melanie said they had finally received "complete justice".

Speaking outside court, Mr Jones, a 45-year-old supermarket manager, stood by his wife's side and said: "We feel we have finally got complete justice for Rhys. In our eyes Mrs Mercer and Mr and Mrs Yates have always been as guilty as their sons."