In a shocking development from Merseyside, four men including former footballer and professional boxer Patrick Lacey have been formally charged with attempted murder following a violent driveway shooting incident in Huyton. The charges stem from an attack on Friday, November 28, where a man in his twenties sustained serious leg injuries after being shot on Radway Road.
Coordinated Police Action Leads to Multiple Arrests
Detective Inspector Chris Clark from the Firearms Investigation Team confirmed that coordinated warrants were executed as part of an ongoing investigation. "All four men will appear in court today," Clark stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the operation. The detective issued a public appeal for further information, urging witnesses with dashcam footage, CCTV recordings, doorbell videos, or firsthand accounts to come forward immediately.
Detailed Charges Against the Accused
The four men face a comprehensive list of serious charges including:
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to murder
- Possession of shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life
- Section 18 grievous bodily harm (GBH)
- Conspiracy to cause GBH
Alongside Patrick Lacey, the other defendants are John Aaron Jones (35, of Stamfordham Drive, Allerton), John George Patrick Hughes (31, of no fixed abode), and Bernard Flynn (61, of Knowsley Road, Bootle). All have been charged with identical offences related to the November shooting.
Patrick Lacey's Football and Boxing Background
The case has drawn particular attention due to Patrick Lacey's family connections to professional football. Lacey, 32, is the older brother of current Manchester United rising star Shea Lacey, who broke into the first-team squad earlier this season and is considered one of the club's most promising young talents. Another brother, Luis Lacey, also plays football professionally for Macclesfield.
Patrick Lacey's own sports career includes time in Manchester United's academy system before playing for several clubs including Altrincham, Barrow, Accrington Stanley, and Southport. More recently, he transitioned to professional boxing, making his debut in 2023 and compiling an impressive record of 12 wins in 13 bouts until suffering his first career defeat this month against Jack Swallow in Liverpool.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Detective Inspector Clark stressed that the investigation remains active and ongoing. "Our work continues, so I would ask that people who have yet to come forward still do so," he said. "Please do not assume that we already hold information. Our team will make that assessment and will take the appropriate action."
The shooting victim, whose identity has not been released, was transported to hospital with serious leg injuries following the Radway Road incident. Medical professionals continue to monitor his condition as police pursue all leads in what appears to be a targeted attack.
This case highlights the intersection of professional sports and serious criminal allegations, with the Lacey family connection to Manchester United adding significant public interest to what authorities describe as a dangerous and premeditated violent crime.
