Four men sentenced following firearms discharge in Dingle

Top from left: Edward Dutton and Anthony Jones. Bottom from left: Nathan Kelly and James Quinn

We are welcoming the sentencing of four men following a firearms discharge on a street in Dingle in 2019.

We received reports at around 8.15pm on July 14 2019 that shots had been fired at the junction of Erin Close and Laxey Street.

It involved two motorbikes with two men on each vehicle.

Thankfully no one was injured, but it caused concern and alarm for residents who live in the community.

Following enquiries, we arrested and charged four men on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

At Liverpool Crown Court on Monday 6 February the following sentences were handed down:

- Edward Dutton, 43, of Cranwell Road, Liverpool, was sentenced to six years.
- Anthony Jones, 23, of Saltergate Road, Liverpool, was sentenced to five years.
- Nathan Kelly, 29, was sentenced to five years.
- James Quinn, 31, of Grafton Street, Liverpool, who was also sentenced for a drugs offence, was sentenced to nine and a half years.

Detective Inspector Graeme Osborne said: “This was an extremely dangerous and reckless act and it’s only down to sheer good fortune that no one was seriously injured.

“These men showed complete disregard for the safety of those in the community and crossed the line in every sense.

“We sadly know the devastating consequences of gun crime, not only on victims and their families but also in our wider communities.

“It will be a relief for all of those living in the area who could have been harmed by this criminality to see such a positive result at court.

“Such investigations can take time to bring to court, but be assured that if you provide information on where you think firearms and ammunition are being stored, carried and used, we will take action to make the communities safer. Taking a gun, ammunition or an offender off the streets can save a life, and make those areas affected by gun crime places where such crime will not be tolerated.”

You can pass on information directly via @MerPolCC or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 and we will do the rest. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.