A former professional footballer and boxer has denied attempted murder and a plot to kill Jordan "Dusty" Thompson during a shooting. Patrick Lacey is one of four suspects charged after a man was shot twice in the leg outside a house on Radway Road in Huyton.
Incident Details
The ECHO previously reported that a man in his 20s was rushed to hospital in critical condition following the incident shortly before 10:30pm on November 28 last year. He was shot with a sawn-off shotgun by two men on a Sur-Ron electric bike on the driveway.
Former Liverpool FC academy midfielder Lacey, of Manor Avenue in Crosby, is accused of attempting to murder Leejay Heavey, who was not the intended target. He also faces charges of conspiracy to murder Thompson, known as "Dusty", possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm with intent, and inflicting grievous bodily harm with intent.
Court Appearance
Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool wearing a navy blue Asics t-shirt, the 33-year-old spoke to confirm his name and pleaded not guilty to all counts. He will face a four-week trial starting October 5 alongside three co-defendants: John Jones (35, of Stamfordham Drive, Allerton), John Hughes (31, no fixed address), and Bernard Flynn (61, of Knowsley Road, Bootle), who previously denied the same charges.
Judge Simon Medland KC adjourned the case, stating: "This case, as you will know, is adjourned for trial to the 5th of October. You will remain in custody as before. Thank you very much. Will you please now go with the officer?" Lacey replied: "Thank you, your honour."
Background
Lacey began his career with Tranmere Rovers before joining Manchester United and Liverpool FC's academies. He later played for Altrincham, Barrow, Accrington Stanley, Southport, Chester, and Warrington Rylands. He also fought professionally as a boxer, most recently at the M&S Bank Arena on February 7.
The four suspects were charged in February after raids by Merseyside Police across Liverpool, Knowsley, and Sefton. Detective Inspector Chris Clark said: "These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation. Our work continues, so I would ask that people who have yet to come forward still do so. Please do not assume that we already hold information. Our team will make that assessment and will take the appropriate action. Whether you have a first-hand account, dashcam, CCTV, doorbell, or other footage, come forward."
