Chaos in dock as killer throws water bottle at co-defendant after responsible verdict
A killer threw a bottle of water at his co-defendant’s head after he was found guilty of the murder of Jackie Rutter.
The 53-year-old mum-of six and nan-of-five, was shot dead on the doorstep of her own home on Meadowbrook Road in Moreton, Wirral, back in October 2022.
James Byrne, Barrie Glynn, Simon Allen and David Harrison have been on trial at Liverpool Crown over the past three months accused of her murder.
Chaos broke out at Liverpool Crown Court after Byrne, Allen and Harrison were unanimously convicted of Jackie’s murder. Glynn was found guilty of manslaughter by a majority of 10 to two.
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
All four were also unanimously found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life and arson, reports the Liverpool Echo.
After the verdicts were given, Byrne seemingly threw a full bottle of Buxton water at Allen as he was led down to the cells.
Allen, who appeared to be struck on the head, then responded by shouting “f***ing k***head” and appeared to lunge at his co-defendant. He had to be restrained by guards as shouted “let me go” while continuing to try and break free.
McGinn was meanwhile seen to be in tears as she was cleared of assisting an offender and discharged from the dock. Mr Justice Goose, the High Court judge who has been presiding over the trial, will pass sentence tomorrow morning, Friday (January 29).
(Image: Merseyside Police)
Nigel Power KC previously told jurors during the prosecution’s opening back in October: “Nearly three years ago now, on the 30th of October 2022, a lady called Jacqueline Rutter opened the front door to her home address. She was shot in the chest with a gun, which either was or was similar to a Grand Power self-loading pistol, and she died at the scene.
“Jackie Rutter, as she was always known, was a 53-year-old grandmother. But this was no case of mistaken identity. This was a targeted revenge attack in the heat of a dispute over drugs.
“During the trial, you will see CCTV. Three men arrived at her address in a black Vauxhall Insignia car. It was a stolen car. Two passengers were in the back. They got out of the back of the car. They went to Mrs Rutter’s front door.
“When she answered, she was shot twice. One shot missed, one went through her right hand and into her chest.
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