Little Boy Blue viewers heartbroken as Rhys Jones’ parents deal with guilty verdict in emotional finale

LITTLE Boy Blue Viewers were left heartbroken as the case to convict Rhys Jones' killers was finally resolved in the final episode of the ITV drama.

The raw emotions of Rhys' parents Mel (Sinead Keenan) and Steve (Brían F. O'Byrne) saw millions reduced to tears at the "heartbreaking" "tragic" and soul destroying" drama.

One wrote: "Cried every week watching Little Boy Blue. So heartbreaking."

Another added: "Amazing acting. Horrific story. Tears every episode."

The four-part drama has examined the events surrounding the tragic murder of schoolboy Rhys and Detective Dave Kelly's (Stephen Graham) investigation to bring the 11-year-old's killers to justice.

And the final instalment saw millions go through a rollercoaster of emotions as the court case to convict killer Sean Mercer and his gang unfolded.

Many took to Twitter in fury while watching killer Sean, gun-supplier James Yates and accomplice Dean Kelly smirk, laugh and fool around in court.

One wrote: "I cannot believe the Jones family had to put up with those lads behaviour in court."

Another added: "Getting so angry watching #LittleBoyBlue. How can they act like that, laughing and showing no remorse after killing an 11-year-old boy."

Other viewers' hearts went out to Rhys' mum Mel who was told by the judge to stop showing too much emotion for fear it would unduly influence the jury.

One tweeted: "Cannot believe what the family went through this whole time. So tragic."

Despite the defence trying to pin the killing on witness Kevin Moody, the court delivered guilty verdicts to all the accused.

Heartbreakingly, the drama then followed the aftermath of the verdict as Mel and Steve tried to cope with everyday life with their marriage coming under significant strain.

One viewer tweeted: "Truly heartbreaking seeing what Rhys and his family went through but what a fantastic cast.

Rhys Jones was just 11 when he was senselessly killed while walking across a pub car park in Liverpool in August 2007.

The sports mad youngster was heading home alone after football practice at 7.30pm in broad daylight when a hooded youth cycled by and fired three shots from a handgun.

One struck Rhys in the back and his distraught mother Melanie rushed to the scene when she heard what had happened.

Paramedics tried for over an hour and a half to save Rhys, but he was later pronounced dead at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.

After months of investigations and arrests, 18-year-old Sean Mercer - a member of the Croxteth Crew gang - was found guilty of murder and sentenced to life imprisonment, serving a minimum of 22 years.

Other gang members were also sentenced for assisting an offender.