OP TARGET: Man sentenced to 5 years behind bars for gun possession

Officers have welcomed the sentencing of a 28 year old man after he was found guilty of firearms offences.

Anthony James Davies, 28, of Alfonso Road, Liverpool was charged with possession of a firearm, possession of a firearm whilst prohibited, possession of a firearm without a certificate and possession of ammunition.

Yesterday (12^th November), he appeared at Liverpool Crown Court where he received a five year jail sentence for these offences.

Davies was arrested back in September after he was spotted acting suspiciously around Beatrice Street, Sefton by our Op Target officers. When officers approached him, he ran off – however, after a short chase on foot, he was caught and a bag that he had tried to get rid was recovered containing a Glock handgun, a number of bullets and a gun magazine.

“We are absolutely committed to taking guns off our streets” said Detective Inspector Sabi Kaur of the Firearms Investigation Team "They are lethal weapons and should only be handled by people experienced and certified to have them. It is pure stupidity to be wandering the streets with a gun and I am relieved that this was recovered before it was too late.

“I hope that this sentencing of Davies opens the eyes of young people that even being caught with a gun without the right certificates can be detrimental and has the potential to result in a lengthy prison sentence as well as tears families apart and ruins any of your future prospects.”

Earlier this week, another man was charged for possession of a firearm. Anthony Foat, 29 of South Ferry Quay, was charged with possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of ammunition after a warrant was conducted at his address and a gun was found and seized. Foat appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Wednesday morning (11^th November) where he was remanded into custody until 30th November.

DI Kaur continued “Carrying and using a gun will always come at a cost and sadly, only last night (12^th November) a 19 year old man was shot dead in Stockbridge Village. This is a tragic event and has undoubtedly shocked the whole community. We are seeing more and more people acting recklessly and gambling with their own futures by carrying and using a gun and we need to work together to educate young people of the dangers of gun crime.

“We will do everything we can to help those affected by serious violence and stop gang crime causing fear and death on our streets. But to do so, we need public support – let us know where you think a gun is being hidden, get in touch if you’re suspicious of someone or something and always report crime to us – one life taken as a result of gun crime, is one life too many and enough is enough.”

Report via @MerPolCC, @CrimestoppersUK, 101 or 999 in an emergency. #OpTarget