Grandmother Fatally Shot in Wirral in Retaliation for Sons' Theft
Three men have been found guilty of the murder of a grandmother who was killed outside her home in Wirral in a revenge attack connected to a stolen mobile phone used for drug dealing.
Jackie Rutter, 53, was shot dead on her doorstep at Meadowbrook Road in Moreton in October 2022. The Crown Prosecution Service stated today that her murder was an act of retaliation after her sons took a phone used by James Byrne and Preston Connolly to operate an illegal drugs trade, along with stealing drugs and cash from them.
Details of the Fatal Night and Convictions
A Liverpool court heard how the attack unfolded in the early hours of the morning. Three men arrived outside Jackie's home at 1am in a black Vauxhall Insignia. Byrne and Connolly exited the vehicle and knocked on her door, while Simon Allen had conducted reconnaissance earlier.
When Jackie opened the door, she was shot twice. Barrie Glynn served as the getaway driver, with Allen meeting them nearby with two other vehicles for escape. Allen then set the black car on fire, and the group fled in a silver car and on a motorbike.
Today, 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 fled to Turkey in December 2023.
Courtroom Drama and Emotional Impact
The verdicts sparked dramatic scenes in court. Byrne threw a bottle of Buxton water at Allen as they were led to their cells, prompting Allen to attempt to lunge at him before being restrained by guards. Harrison was seen shaking his head and bowing, while Glynn raised his eyebrows at his manslaughter conviction.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath expressed sympathy for Jackie's family, stating, 'Our thoughts today are very much with the family of Jacqueline, who was known by them and her friends as Jackie.' He added, '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 concluded, 'We only hope that the decision today after such a lengthy trial will bring some closure to Jackie's family as her killers are brought to justice.' The defendants are scheduled to be sentenced tomorrow morning.
