Patrick Lacey, who was part of both the Manchester United and Liverpool academy, is among four names connected to a shooting that left a man with a serious injury to his legs
Patrick Lacey, also known as Paddy, in action for Chester FC
Patrick Lacey, also known as Paddy, in action for Chester FC
View Image
A former footballer and three others have been charged with attempted murder following the shooting of a man on a driveway in Huyton, Liverpool. A man in his 20s was rushed to the hospital in a critical condition after being shot in the leg on Friday, November 28.
The victim reportedly was shot twice at an address on Radway Road by two men on a Sur-ron bike. On Thursday, February 19, warrants were carried out across Knowlsey, Sefton and Liverpool, resulting in four people being arrested.
Former Accrington Stanley midfielder and boxer Patrick Sean Lacey, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby, has now been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to murder, possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life; section 18 GBH; and conspiracy to cause GBH.
Johan Aaron Jones, 35, of Stamfordham Drive, Allerton, John George Patrick Hughes, 31, of no fixed abode and Bernard Flynn, 61, of Knowsley Road, Bottle, have also been charged with the same offences. All four men are due to appear at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court this morning (Friday, February 20).
Lacey played for Manchester United and Liverpool during his academy days after beginning his career with Tranmere Rovers. He went on to feature for the likes of Chester, Altrincham, Barrow, Accrington Stanley and Southport, with his most recent team believed to have been Flint Town.
During his football career, Lacey also fought professionally as a boxer, going 10-0 and most recently beating Owen Kirk by knockout in October 2023.
Detective Inspector Chris Clark from Merseyside Police's Firearms Investigation Team said: "These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today.
"Our work continues, so I would ask that people who have yet to come forward still do so. Please do not assume that we already hold information.
"Our team will make that assessment, and will take the appropriate action. Whether you have a first-hand account, dashcam, CCTV, doorbell or other footage, come forward."
Please call 101 or contact police on social media @MerPolCC, quoting reference 25000975453. You can also report information via Merseyside Police's website: https://www.merseyside.police.uk/ro/report/ocr/af/how-to-report-a-crime/.
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.