Grandmother shot dead in ‘revenge for sons stealing drug dealer’s phone’

Three men have been found guilty of the murder of a grandmother who was killed outside her home in Wirral.

Jackie Rutter, 53, was killed at her doorstep on Meadowbrook Road in Moreton in October 2022.

James Byrne, Simon Allen and David Harrison were today found guilty of murdering Jacqueline, possession of a firearm and ammunition and arson.

Barrie Glynn was found not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter 

A sixth person said to be involved in the killing, Preston Connolly, was not in the dock as he fled to Turkey in December 2023.

Jackie’s murder ‘was revenge for the loss of a mobile phone used to supply an illegal drugs trade’, the Crown Prosecution Service said today.

A few days before the shooting, Jackie’s sons had taken a mobile phone that Bryne and Connolly used to run a drug operation with.

Her sons also stole drugs and cash from men.

A Liverpool court heard how the three men pulled up outside Jackie’s home at 1am in a black Vauxhall Insignia car.

Bryne and Connolly got out of the back of the car and knocked on the victim’s door, while Allen provided reconnaissance beforehand.

Jackie was shot twice when she opened the door.

Glynn acted as the getaway driver, with Allen greeting the men at a road nearby with two other vehicles for the men to flee in.

Allen lit the black vehicle on fire and three of the men left in a silver car and one on a motorbike.

Byrne threw a bottle of Buxton water at Allen as they were led to their cells after the guilty verdicts were handed.

Allen attempted to lunge at his co-defendant, having to be pinned down by guards.

Harrison was seen shaking his head and bowing, while Glynn raised his eyebrows at his manslaughter conviction.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath said: ‘Our thoughts today are very much with the family of Jacqueline, who was known by them and her friends as Jackie.

‘Her family are completely devastated by what happened to the mother of six children and grandmother to five grandchildren and it has been heartbreaking for them to relive her final moments during this trial.

‘We only hope that the decision today after such a lengthy trial will bring some closure to Jackie’s family as her killers are brought to justice.’

The defendants will be sentenced tomorrow morning.

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