12 April 2012
The parents of the boy who armed Rhys Jones's killer have pleaded guilty to lying to detectives investigating the schoolboy's murder.
Frank Yates, 49, and wife Marie, 51, admitted perverting the course of justice when they appeared before Liverpool Crown Court.
They admitted burning a mobile phone chip belonging to their son James, 21, while Mr Yates also admitted giving murderer Sean Mercer a false alibi.
Joining them in the dock was Janette Mercer, 49, who earlier admitted perverting the course of justice.
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.
All three, of Croxteth, Liverpool, are expected to be sentenced later.
