Devastated childhood friend still visits ‘brother’s’ grave
THE best friend of Rhys Jones today reveals he holds no grudge against the gang involved in his pal’s murder.
And Connor Irwin, who met Rhys at nursery, speaks for the first time of his devastation over the loss of his “brother” – and tells how he still visits his grave.
Now 21, he recalls how his mate’s mum, Melanie, sobbed as she handed over a holiday gift her son had bought him in Menorca before his murder.
Connor says: “I never see the gang members, I hope I never will see them. Obviously I’m angry about how it all happened.
“But there’s no personal grudge. I wish they hadn’t done it, but I don’t hold a grudge.”
Finance assistant Connor still lives in Norris Green just 10 minutes from where Rhys was gunned down.
He said: “When he got back from holiday I spoke to him on MSN messenger. He said he had bought me something and asked, ‘When am I going to see you?’ That was the last time I spoke to him. “He got me a Celtic mug because my dad is from Scotland. He also got me a keyring with my name on it. “When his mum gave it to me it was emotional for her. I was too young to deal with it. “I’ve still got the mug and key ring in my room on a shelf. I think I’ll always keep them.” Connor reveals he found out about his friend’s death on the TV news. He says: “Rhys’s Connor today name was on there. I saw a picture. It was devastating. It was like losing a brother.” He adds: “His family don’t want him to be forgotten. And I’ll never forget him. “I try to keep his memory alive. I want his mum and dad to know that we will never forget him. “We are always going to go up to his grave, every year, every birthday, every Christmas, every anniversary of his death.”