Kirkby man jailed for 25 years for drugs and firearm offences

We are welcoming the sentencing of a Kirkby man to 25 years in prison for firearms and drug offences.

Following a late guilty plea, Ian Shepherd, aged 44, of Stourton Road, Kirkby, was jailed for a total of 25 years at Manchester Crown Court on Tuesday 11 January for:

• Three counts of possessing a prohibited firearm
• Two counts of conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
• Conspiracy to possess a prohibited firearm
• Possessing a prohibited smooth-bore gun
• Possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate
• Possessing explosives

Merseyside Police executed a warrant at an address on Stourton Road Kirkby, on 13 May 2019.

A handgun, ammunition, mobile phones, a significant quantity of cash and a large amount of Class A drugs (cocaine) was recovered by officers at the address.

Extensive forensic enquiries were carried out which linked the firearm to Shepherd and firearms incidents in Greater Manchester.

Working with Greater Manchester Police, Merseyside Police later arrested and charged Shepherd.

Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Hobin said: “The result this week means that a dangerous criminal has been removed from our streets can no longer supply drugs and misery in our communities in Merseyside and beyond.

“We have seen time and again that criminals such as Shepherd who use firearms are throwing away their lives and destroying that of others.

“The sentencing this week demonstrates just how strongly we will deal with those involved in gun crime and drug supply, and should strongly deter those who are considering this path of criminality.

“Hopefully Shepherd will now reflect upon the harm he has caused while serving his significant jail time.

"Serious and organised crime remains a priority for Merseyside Police, and we will continue to take positive action against those who blight our communities. Information from the public is vital and we will act on all that we receive.

"We will continue to work tirelessly to remove drug dealers from our streets and provide our communities with a safe place to live, work and visit. My message to those engaged in organised crime is clear: we know who you are, we can see where you are operating, and we will come knocking."

Anyone with information on criminality in their community is asked to contact @MerPolCC, call 101 or Crimestoppers UK anonymously on 0800 555 111. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.