Three individuals have been convicted of the killing of Jackie Rutter, who was fatally shot on the doorstep of her residence in Wirral. The victim, a 53-year-old mother of six and grandmother of five, met her demise at her home on Meadowbrook Road in Moreton in October 2022. James Byrne, Barrie Glynn, Simon Allen, and David Harrison stood trial at Liverpool Crown Court for three months, facing accusations of her murder.
According to prosecutors, the shooting was a deliberate act of revenge tied to a drug-related dispute. Allegedly, Ms. Rutter’s sons, Peter and Steven, had taken a mobile phone that was essential for Byrne and another individual, Preston Connolly, to operate their drug enterprise, known as the “JJ Line.”
It was claimed that Byrne and Connolly carried out the shooting the following day, with Glynn serving as their driver. Allen reportedly conducted surveillance earlier that evening and later set fire to the stolen vehicle used in the attack. Harrison’s residence was purportedly used as a base on the night of the murder.
A fifth defendant, Anna McGinn, faced charges of aiding an offender by driving Byrne and Connolly home after the incident. Connolly, who had fled to Turkey in December 2023, was not present in court. After over 15 hours of deliberations, the jury reached its verdict on Wednesday afternoon, convicting Byrne, Allen, and Harrison of murder, while Glynn was found guilty of manslaughter.
All four men were also convicted of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life, as well as arson. McGinn was acquitted of the charge of aiding an offender and released. She was visibly emotional in the courtroom.
Sentencing is scheduled for Friday. Harrison appeared shaken upon his conviction, while Glynn seemed surprised by the manslaughter verdict. Initially unreactive, Byrne later threw a bottle of water at Allen after the verdict was delivered.
In response, Allen shouted expletives and attempted to confront Byrne before being restrained by guards. He continued to resist, demanding to be let go.
During the prosecution’s opening statements, it was revealed that Ms. Rutter was shot with a self-loading pistol on October 30, 2022, as she opened her front door. Surveillance footage depicted three men arriving in a stolen vehicle, with two approaching the door before fleeing. The car was later set on fire.
Byrne and Connolly were identified as the individuals at the door seeking revenge over the stolen phone, with Glynn as the driver, and Allen and Harrison providing support within the drug network. The trial also referenced the murder of Elle Edwards in Wallasey, with claims that Allen assisted police in locating the weapon used.
The jury heard of Byrne and his twin brother’s prior convictions for attempted murder in an earlier shooting. Allen had a history of firearm-related offenses and expressed a fascination with guns.
Testimonies included Allen’s claim that Byrne confessed to the shooting, saying he shot the victim. Glynn admitted losing his composure after the incident, questioning Byrne’s actions. Harrison mentioned Allen’s interest in guns but was uncertain of the details.
McGinn maintained she was unaware of the shooting when driving Connolly home, believing he was not capable of such an act. Byrne chose not to testify, with his defense asserting lack of evidence linking him to the crime, including being armed or pulling the trigger. However, the jury found him guilty of murder.