In a case that has shocked both the sporting world and the local community, former footballer and professional boxer Patrick Sean Lacey has been charged with attempted murder following a serious shooting in Huyton, Merseyside.
The incident took place on November 28, 2025, when a man in his 20s was shot twice in the leg while on a driveway on Radway Road. He was rushed to hospital in critical condition, prompting an urgent investigation by the Merseyside Firearms Investigation Team.
On February 19, 2026, coordinated police operations across Knowsley, Sefton, and Liverpool resulted in the arrest of four men. Lacey, 32, of Manor Avenue, Crosby, now faces a series of serious charges:
- Attempted murder
- Conspiracy to murder
- Possession of a shotgun and ammunition with intent to endanger life
- Section 18 GBH (grievous bodily harm)
- Conspiracy to cause GBH
The other men charged alongside him are John Aaron Jones, 35, of Allerton; John George Patrick Hughes, 31, of no fixed abode; and Bernard Flynn, 61, of Bootle.
Detective Inspector Chris Clark, who led the investigation, emphasized the ongoing nature of the inquiry. “These coordinated warrants were carried out as part of an ongoing investigation, and all four men will appear in court today,” he said. “I would urge anyone who has yet to come forward, whether you have first-hand information, dashcam footage, CCTV, or doorbell recordings, to do so. No detail is too small, and all information will be assessed.”
Patrick Lacey is a familiar name in football circles. He spent part of his youth at Manchester United’s academy before going on to play for clubs including Altrincham, Barrow, and Accrington Stanley. Known for his physical style on the pitch, Lacey also made headlines as a professional boxer, making his debut in 2023 and winning 12 of 13 bouts before suffering an upset loss to Jack Swallow in Liverpool earlier this month.
The story has drawn further attention because of Lacey’s family ties in football. He is the older brother of Shea Lacey, one of Manchester United’s rising stars who broke into the first-team squad this season. Another brother, Luis Lacey, is also a footballer, currently playing for Macclesfield. The charges have cast a shadow over a family otherwise known for its sporting achievements.
The case continues to develop, with all four suspects due to appear in court. Local authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to assist the investigation. Meanwhile, the sporting world watches closely as the legal proceedings unfold, reflecting the stark contrast between Lacey’s public sporting life and the serious criminal allegations now facing him.
This incident serves as a reminder that the lives of athletes off the field can sometimes be as complex and unpredictable as their careers on it. The next steps in this case will be closely followed by both fans and the wider community as the story continues to unfold.
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