Fourth man jailed following drive-by shooting on Merseyside

A fourth person has been jailed for life for his role in the murder of a 36-year-old man in a drive-by shooting on Merseyside.

Ryan Walsh-Westhead, 25, of Farrier Road, Kirkby, was today (13 February 2026) found guilty of the murder of Rikki Berry, and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after a trial at Liverpool Crown Court.

He was sentenced to life imprisonment and must spend a minimum of 28 years in jail before he can be considered for release.

Rikki Berry died after a balaclava-clad man riding an electric bike fired four shots at him in Quarryside Drive, Kirkby, at 6.33pm on 17 July 2024.

The electric bike, driven by Michael Smith, was travelling on the pavement in convoy with a black Ateca Cupra, driven by Adam Williams.  

Mr Berry was shot three times and died from gunshot wounds to his chest. Three men were convicted of his murder on 14 February 2025 - Michael Smith, 27, of Marbury Road, Kirkby, 26-year-old Adam Williams, of Hamblett Crescent, St Helens, and Connor Walsh, 26, of Simonswood Lane, Kirkby.

Merseyside Police always suspected a fourth man was involved. 

District Crown Prosecutor Chris Maloney, of CPS Mersey-Cheshire, said: “The Crown Prosecution Service’s case was that Ryan Walsh-Westhead was part of the group that planned and carried out the shooting of Rikki Berry in broad daylight.

"Rikki Berry was at home with his partner and young children when four shots were fired at him by Michael Smith as he rode by on an electric bike .

“Three men were convicted and jailed last year but the CPS and Merseyside Police continued the work to bring to justice the fourth man who was involved.

“Walsh-Westhead had denied his involvement all along and was prepared to let the three other men take the blame. Now he has been brought to justice, thanks to painstaking police work and a strong prosecution case.

“The final stage of this case, the conviction of Walsh-Westhead, proves we will leave no stone unturned to bring these perpetrators to justice.”