Eviction of Rhys Jones killer's mother delayed
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Moves to evict the mother of Rhys Jones's killer were postponed today until after she is sentenced for perverting the course of justice later this year.
Janette Mercer, 49, who admitted perverting the course of justice over the 11-year-old schoolboy's murder, will be sentenced on 1 April at Liverpool Crown Court.
Today at Liverpool County Court Paul Burns, representing Riverside Housing Association, asked for the case involving the claim for repossession of the semi-detached home in Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth, to be adjourned. Mercer was not in court for the short hearing.
Mr Burns said after the sentencing of Janette Mercer information including the "factual background" to the charge and the judge's sentencing remarks would be available for the case.
He told the court: "The hope is that by the time we come back on 5 May my client's case and the evidence will be ready to disclose or almost ready to disclose.
"It is now important that my client prepares all the evidence it can in advance of the hearing on May 5 and it's keen to do so," he added.
Mr Burns said both parties were agreed the matter should be adjourned.
Riverside Housing Association started moves to evict the mother-of-three under "Grounds 14" of the Housing Association Act 1988 after her son Sean Mercer, 18, was convicted of the murder of Rhys and jailed for 22 years in December last year, Mr Burns said after the hearing.
District Judge Lynda Sykes adjourned the case until 10am on 5 May. The next hearing has been listed for 30 minutes.
Sean Mercer was jailed for life after a three-month trial last year.
His mother lied about her knowledge of her son's mountain bikes when she was interviewed by police following Rhys's murder.