After 11-year-old schoolboy Rhys Jones is brutally shot dead walking home from soccer practice, Detective Superintendent Dave Kelly (Stephen Graham) is charged with bringing his teenage killer to justice.

As Rhys Jones is laid to rest, a police raid at the home of Kevin Moody leads to the recovery of the gun used in the murder.

After potential witness Claire Olssen (Faye McKeever) is intimidated into changing her statement, investigators look for alternative ways to reinforce their case.

Mercer and his associates are tried for their roles in Rhys' murder, but the verdict fails to bring closure for Mel and Steve.