Mother of Rhys Jones's killer faces jail for lying

The mother of Rhys Jones's killer has been told she faces jail for lying to detectives investigating the schoolboy's murder. Janette Mercer, 49, changed her plea and admitted perverting the course of justice at Liverpool Crown Court.

Mercer intentionally misled police about the mountain bike her son Sean used to cycle from the scene of the 11-year-old's murder in Croxteth on 22 August 2007.

The 18-year-old rode a silver Specialized Hardrock mountain bike which he got through an insurance company on 3 April. His previous bike was stolen on 24 February and his mother was involved in negotiations to replace it, the court heard.

Mercer, of Croxteth, admitted lying in a police statement, by saying Sean had only owned one bike and she did not know how long he had had it. The case was adjourned until 1 April for pre-sentence reports. The Recorder of Liverpool, Judge Henry Globe, extended Mercer's bail and told her she faced jail.