Mother of Rhys Jones' killer faces eviction threat

by Karl Walderman. Published Wed 25 Feb 2009 14:54, Last updated: 2009-02-25

An eviction case against the mother of Rhys Jones's killer, has been postponed until after she is sentenced to perverting the course of justice.

Janette Mercer, 49, faces a long spell behind bars after she admitted lying to officers over her knowledge of her son's silver mountain bike used in the shooting.

Her sentencing for perverting the course of justice is set for April 1 at Liverpool Crown Court.

Riverside Housing Association claim her's and her son Sean Mercer's convictions are a breach of their tenancy agreement and they want to reclaim the three bedroom semi in Good Shepherd Close, Croxteth.

Speaking from Liverpool County Court, Riverside Housing representative Paul Burns, asked for the case be adjourned to a later date.

Burns said: "By the time we come back in May, my client will be ready to disclose evidence.

"It is important my client has time to prepare all the evidence in advance of the hearing and is keen to do so.

"The court will then decide if our application for possession against the female tenant of the house has been successful."

Both parties agreed the matter should be adjourned and a date was pencilled in for May 5 at Liverpool County Court. Mercer was not in court for the short hearing.

The mother-of-three faces eviction under section 14 of the Housing Association Act 1988 after her 18-year-old son was convicted of the murder and jailed for life.

District Judge Lynda Sykes adjourned the case until 10am on May 5. The next hearing has been listed for 30 minutes.

It is not known whether Mercer is planning to attend the hearing to oppose the application.