The Tale of Two Families: Lilly Gerrard and Lee Byrne
On a humid June evening in 2023, a middle-aged man called Liam Byrne was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences while dining with family at a restaurant in the Majorcan town of Alcudia. Byrne clearly hadn’t seen it coming: CCTV footage from the local police station shows him dressed casually in shorts, T-shirt and flip-flops as he’s escorted into a cell by officers from the National Crime Agency.
In the event, the arrest was a low-key affair, although it had been months in the making, the result of a long-standing investigation by police in the UK and Northern Ireland linking the 44-year-old to a wider network of arms and drugs offences, including stockpiling handguns and sub-machine guns to supply to violent criminal organisations.
After being extradited to the UK, Byrne was convicted on a series of arms charges last September at the central London criminal court and sent to prison for five and a half years. Meanwhile, around the time Byrne was being arrested, a very different scene was unfolding in Liverpool.
Lilly-Ella Gerrard, the daughter of footballing legend Steven Gerrard, was busy uploading a sweet video onto social media showing her lip-syncing to a pop song as she cuddled her dogs in the front of her car. Quite the contrast between these two families.
The Connection Between Two Different Worlds
A closer look at the comments on Lilly’s social media posts may give a small clue. ‘What’s the story with the father-in-law then?’ reads one. For at the time of her post and Liam Byrne’s arrest, Lilly had been dating Liam’s son Lee for a year, creating a family connection with one of Ireland’s most prominent and notorious criminal dynasties.
That direct line is now set to become a bloodline following news this week that Lilly is expecting her first baby with Lee. On Sunday, she announced her pregnancy on Instagram, sharing ultrasound scan pictures alongside a journal and a pair of baby boots.
The new arrival will be the first grandchild for Steven and Alex Gerrard as well as for Lee’s parents, marking the formal coming together of two rather different families.
The Family Background
Lee’s family background is steeped in criminality, starting with his grandfather James ‘Jaws’ Byrne, a convicted armed robber and fraudster. Despite this, there is no suggestion that Lee is involved in any criminality, and those who know him describe him as a ‘nice lad’ who is devoted to Lilly-Ella.
Steven Gerrard, Lilly’s father, is clearly fond of Lee and publicly acknowledges their relationship. However, Lee’s surname carries huge notoriety in Ireland, where his family’s criminal activities are well-known.
Liam Byrne, Lee’s father, has a long history of criminal offenses, including armed robberies and drug dealing. Throughout the years, Byrne has been involved in various illegal activities, including amassing a collection of weapons for criminal gangs.
A New Beginning
Despite the troubled history of Lee’s family, his relationship with Lilly seems to be a bright spot. The couple met in 2022 and have since built a life together, enjoying holidays and creating memories.
With the news of Lilly’s pregnancy, the Gerrard clan is thrilled at the impending birth of their grandchild. Despite the challenges and complexities of their background, the couple is looking forward to starting a new chapter and embracing the arrival of their baby.
As Liam Byrne nears his release from prison, after serving time for his crimes, there is hope for a fresh start. His barrister has stated that Byrne is determined to lead a good and honest life upon his release.
The Gerrards, and especially Lilly and Lee, must surely hope for the same. A new baby can mark a new beginning for everyone involved, setting the stage for a brighter future.