Former footballer charged with attempted murder after Liverpool shooting

Former Accrington Stanley footballer Paddy Lacey has been charged with attempted murder, along with three others, in connection with the shooting of a man in Huyton in November.

On 28 November 2025, a man in his 20s was rushed to hospital after being shot in the leg at around 10:20 pm in the Huyton area of Liverpool.

As reported by the Liverpool Echo, the victim was shot twice by two men on a Sur-Ron bike.

On Thursday (19 February), Merseyside Police confirmed that several warrants were carried out across Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool, which resulted in the force making four arrests.

Lacey, 32, along with John Aaron Jones, 35, John George Patrick Hughes, 31, and Bernard Flynn, 61, has 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.

Paddy Lacey is a professional boxer (Credit:Getty)

All four men will appear at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on Friday (February 20).

Detective Inspector Chris Clark from the force’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."

Lacey played for Manchester United and Liverpool's academy teams before forging a professional football career, playing for non-league clubs Southport, Chester and Altrincham, as well as featuring in the Football League for Accrington Stanley between 2016 and 2017.

Paddy has also competed as a professional middleweight boxer, boasting a record of 12-1, with two victories coming by way of knockout.

Last time out on February 7, he lost against Jack Swallow at Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena.