Former Manchester United and Liverpool academy footballer Patrick Lacey is among four individuals who have been formally charged with attempted murder following a violent shooting incident in Merseyside. The charges stem from an event on November 28, where a man in his 20s was shot in the leg on the driveway of a property located on Radway Road in Huyton.
Details of the Shooting and Police Investigation
Emergency services were called to the scene after reports of the shooting, with the victim rushed to hospital suffering from serious injuries. In response, Merseyside Police conducted a series of coordinated warrants across Knowsley, Sefton, and Liverpool on Thursday, leading to multiple arrests.
Charges and Accused Individuals
Patrick Lacey, aged 32, who spent much of his professional football career in the lower leagues of English football, faces a range of serious charges. These include attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, section 18 grievous bodily harm (GBH), and conspiracy to cause GBH.
Three other men have been charged with the same offences:
- John Aaron Jones, 35, of Stamfordham Drive, Allerton
- John George Patrick Hughes, 31, of no fixed abode
- Bernard Flynn, 61, of Knowsley Road, Bootle
All four defendants are scheduled to appear at the Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on Friday.
Background of Patrick Lacey
Patrick Lacey, who has not played club football since 2023, also pursued a career in boxing, amassing a professional record of 12 wins and 1 loss. His football career included stints at clubs such as Accrington Stanley and Barrow, following his early development at the academies of Manchester United and Liverpool.
Police Statement and Appeal for Information
Detective Inspector Chris Clark of Merseyside Police's Firearms Investigation Team provided a statement regarding the investigation. 'These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today,' he said.
Clark emphasised the importance of public assistance: '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.'
Individuals with information are urged to contact Merseyside Police on 101 or via social media @MerPolCC, quoting reference number 25000975453. Alternatively, the anonymous charity Crimestoppers can be reached on 0800 555 111 or through their official website.
