Man from Croxeth jailed after loaded pistol found in back garden

A man from Croxteth has been jailed for five years after a firearm was discovered in a back garden and his DNA was found on the weapon.

Kirk Davies, 22, of Middle Way, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Wednesday 11 December, after admitting possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of ammunition without a certificate.

On Thursday 23 May this year, officers responding to reports of a stolen motorbike found a loaded pistol and ammunition hidden in a garden on Westhead Avenue, in Kirkby. 

Davies was subsequently arrested and charged with the offences after his DNA was found on both the weapon and ammunition.

Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson said: “We are committed to removing guns from our streets and putting the people who carry them before the courts.

“I hope the sentencing of Davies serves as a deterrent for anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to handle or store firearms in our communities.

“The search carried out on Westhead Avenue back in May and subsequent investigation is just one example of how we proactively investigate serious organised crime and the use of firearms in our communities.

“We are relentless in our pursuit of those involved in serious organised crime and we are determined to remove firearms from our streets.

“We need the help of our communities to make our streets safer by being our eyes and ears and tell us what they know so that we can take positive action. If you know where guns are being stored, I urge you to contact us or Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111."