Anniversary of Rhys death

5:18am Friday 22nd August 2008

Today marks the first anniversary of Liverpool schoolboy Rhys Jones' death.

The 11-year-old was shot through the neck as he walked home from football training in Croxteth Park on August 22 last year.

The football-mad youngster was cradled at the scene by his mother Melanie, 42, who rushed to the spot in a friend's car.

No official events involving the boy's family have been planned for.

But it is thought his mother, father Stephen, 45, and brother Owen, 18, will privately visit Rhys's grave.

A total of 11 people have been charged in connection with the killing.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to stand trial accused of murder on October 2.

Six others will appear at Liverpool Crown Court for the hearing charged with assisting the alleged killer.

The remaining four will stand trial separately at a later date.

Doubt has been cast over the October trial amid reports that the defendant has been left without a barrister because of a legal aid row.

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