Grandmother Fatally Shot on Doorstep in Wirral Revenge Killing
Three men have been found guilty of the murder of a grandmother who was killed outside her home in Wirral, in a case that has shocked the local community. Jackie Rutter, 53, was fatally shot at her doorstep on Meadowbrook Road in Moreton in October 2022, in what prosecutors described as a revenge attack linked to a stolen mobile phone used in drug dealing.
Guilty Verdicts Handed Down in Liverpool Court
In a trial at Liverpool Crown Court, James Byrne, Barrie Glynn, and Simon Allen were convicted of murder, arson, and possession of firearms and ammunition. David Harrison, 59, of Old Meadow Road in Pensby, was found guilty of manslaughter, along with firearms and arson charges. A sixth individual, Preston Connolly, was not present in court as he had fled to Turkey in December 2023, avoiding the proceedings.
The Crown Prosecution Service stated that Jackie's murder was an act of revenge for the loss of a mobile phone that was crucial for supplying an illegal drugs trade. Just days before the shooting, Jackie's sons had taken the phone, along with drugs and cash, from Byrne and Connolly, who were operating a drug network.
Details of the Fatal Night Emerge
Court testimony revealed that the attack occurred around 1am, when three men arrived outside Jackie's home in a black Vauxhall Insignia. Byrne and Connolly exited the vehicle and knocked on the door, while Allen had conducted reconnaissance earlier. When Jackie opened the door, she was shot twice in a brutal assault.
Glynn served as the getaway driver, and Allen met the perpetrators nearby with two additional vehicles to facilitate their escape. In an attempt to destroy evidence, Allen set the black car on fire. The group then fled the scene in a silver car and on a motorbike, leaving behind a trail of devastation.
Courtroom Drama and Emotional Aftermath
Following the guilty verdicts, dramatic scenes unfolded in court. Byrne threw a bottle of Buxton water at Allen, who responded by attempting to lunge at his co-defendant, requiring guards to restrain him. Harrison was observed shaking his head and bowing, while Glynn raised his eyebrows upon hearing his manslaughter conviction.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath expressed his condolences, stating, '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 heartbreaking for them to relive her final moments during this trial.'
He added that he hopes the verdicts, after a lengthy trial, will bring some closure to Jackie's family as her killers face justice. The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow morning, marking the next step in this tragic case.
