One of the individuals involved in the killing of a cherished grandmother reacted aggressively by throwing water at his co-defendant upon being found guilty of murder. James Byrne hurled a full bottle of water at Simon Allen as they were being escorted to the cells following the verdicts at Liverpool Crown Court. In response, Allen shouted expletives at Byrne and attempted to confront him before being restrained by guards.

Byrne, Allen, Barrie Glynn, and David Harrison were responsible for the murder of 53-year-old Jackie Rutter, who was fatally shot on her doorstep in Moreton, Wirral, in October 2022. The motive behind the shooting was believed to be a dispute over a theft involving Ms. Rutter’s sons, which led to a retaliatory act related to drug dealings.

The prosecution presented evidence suggesting that Byrne and Connolly carried out the shooting, with Glynn serving as the getaway driver. Allen was involved in disposing of the stolen vehicle used in the crime and conducting surveillance activities beforehand. Harrison’s residence allegedly served as a hub for planning the attack. Anna McGinn faced charges for aiding an offender by assisting Byrne and Connolly after the shooting.

During the trial, Byrne, Allen, and Harrison were unanimously convicted of Jackie’s murder, while Glynn was found guilty of manslaughter. All four were also convicted of possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to harm and arson. McGinn, visibly emotional, was acquitted of the charges against her.

The fatal incident involved Ms. Rutter being shot in the chest with a firearm, resulting in her immediate death. The prosecution emphasized that the attack was a targeted act of retribution amid a drug-related conflict, not a case of mistaken identity.

The court proceedings also highlighted connections to a previous shooting in the area, involving Connor Chapman and the murder of Elle Edwards. References were made to a weapon used in that case as part of the evidence presented.

Family members of Ms. Rutter expressed their profound grief and loss, describing her as a deeply beloved individual who will always be remembered and missed. They vowed to seek justice for her and hold those responsible for the crime accountable, emphasizing the irreplaceable void left by her tragic death.