Three men found guilty of the murder of 53-year-old Jacqueline Rutter

Today, Wednesday 28 January, three men have been convicted of the murder of 53-year-old Jacqueline Rutter at Liverpool Crown Court.

Simon Allen, 55, of no fixed abode, James Byrne, 24, of no fixed abode, David Harrison, 59, of Old Meadow Road, in Pensby have been convicted of murder, arson and possession of firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life. Barrie Glynn, 47, of Westway, in Heswall has been convicted of manslaughter, possession of firearms and ammunition and arson with intent to endanger life.

Jacqueline was shot in the chest in her own home on Meadowbrook Road in Moreton on Sunday 30 October 2022.

At around 1am three men arrived at her address in a black Vauxhall Insignia car. Two passengers got out of the back of the car, one of which was Byrne, and went to Jacqueline’s front door. When she answered, she was shot twice. The two men got back into the car which drove off and was later set alight in the Moreton area by a fourth man (Allen) who had been waiting with two other vehicles, a silver Ford and a Yamaha Motorbike. The four men then fled the scene, three in the silver car and one on the motorbike.

David Harrison was later involved in transporting the other men before and after the murder and assisted in the clear up operation.

Following a lengthy and complex investigation, four men have been charged and convicted of Jacqueline’s murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: “Our thoughts today are very much with the family of Jacqueline who was known by them and her friends as Jackie. Her family are completely devastated by what happened to the mother of six children and grandmother to five grandchildren and it has been heart-breaking for them to relive her final moments during this trial.

“We only hope that the decision today after such a lengthy trial will bring some closure to Jackie’s family as her killers are bought to justice.

“Over the past three years since Jackie’s death our team have been determined to bring this case to court and see justice served. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the investigation team for their continued hard work and commitment and to the Crown Prosecution Service for the successful prosecution of the case.

“This case is yet another example of the dreadful results of taking weapons onto our streets and into our communities. We are committed in disrupting serious organised crime and we will take all necessary steps to make sure those suspected of carrying dangerous weapons are put before the courts.”

The sentencing will take place tomorrow Thursday 29 January at 11.30am.