Former footballer charged with attempted murder following shooting
A former academy player at Manchester United and Liverpool, Patrick Lacey, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with a shooting that took place in Huyton last November, reports BritPanorama.
The incident occurred on November 28 when a man in his 20s sustained a gunshot wound to his leg. Lacey, 32, appeared at Liverpool, Knowsley, Sefton and St Helens Adult Remand Court on Friday, alongside three other men facing the same charge.
The alleged shooting took place on the driveway of a property on Radway Road, with emergency services responding to reports of the incident. The victim was transported to hospital suffering from serious injuries.
Merseyside Police executed extensive search warrants across three areas, targeting locations in Knowsley, Sefton and Liverpool as part of their investigation into the shooting. Lacey was among those taken into custody during this operation.
Detective Inspector Chris Clark, of Merseyside Police’s Firearms Investigation Team, referred to the operations as “coordinated warrants” carried out as part of ongoing inquiries. Beyond the attempted murder charge, Lacey faces several additional serious offences, including conspiracy to murder, possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life, grievous bodily harm, and conspiracy to cause GBH. Three co-defendants have also been charged with identical offences.
All four defendants made their court appearance on Friday following their arrests the previous day during the police operation. Lacey’s professional football career was largely spent in England’s lower divisions, with his last club appearance coming in 2023. Following his departure from football, he pursued boxing and currently holds a record of 12 wins against a single defeat.
With this case already attracting public interest, it serves as a stark reminder of how the lives of athletes can intersect dramatically with the law, showcasing the often precarious nature of life after professional sport.
