We have today, Monday 24th January, welcomed the sentencing of a Liverpool-based organised crime group (OCG) to a total of over 56 years in prison following an investigation into the criminal use of firearms and drug trafficking.
During the course of a 12 month investigation firearms, ammunition, component parts of firearms and significant quantities of Class A and B drugs were recovered with warrants executed on Merseyside and in Eastbourne.
A strike day took place on 14th January 2021 and a number of individuals were arrested, charged and later pleaded guilty to the following:
Danny Hanley, 30, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs heroin and cocaine and conspiracy to possess firearms and was sentenced to 13 years.
Paul Hoban, 27, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to Conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs heroin and cocaine and Conspiracy to Possess firearms and was sentenced to 11 years.
Eric McKevitt, 41, of Hazeldale Road, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs (heroin and cocaine) and conspiracy to possess firearms and was sentenced to five years eight months.
Lyndsey Stephens, 40, of Hazeldale Road, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to participating in the activities of an OCG and was sentenced to eight months suspended for two years and 125 hours unpaid work.
Holly Irving 29, of Katherine Walk, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to offering to supply Class A drugs (Cocaine) to another and was sentenced to 125 hours unpaid work.
Liam Morris, 26, of Lindisfarne Drive, West Derby, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply Class A controlled drugs (heroin and cocaine) and was sentenced to five years nine months.
Paul Wright, 56, of Thursby Crescent, Southdene, Kirkby, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of heroin and possession of a firearm and was sentenced to eight years two months.
Kevin Cooney, 47, of Muirhead Avenue, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to supply Class A controlled drugs (cocaine) and was sentenced to five years eight months.
Jodie Gill, 37, of Leslie Street, Eastbourne, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Cocaine and was sentenced to three years four months.
Mason Si Gill, 47, of Leslie Street, Eastbourne, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Cocaine and was sentenced to four years three months.
In addition Paul McEwan, 30, of Dwerryhouse Lane, Liverpool, pleaded guilty to possession with intent to supply Class A (heroin) and was sentenced at an earlier hearing to four years in prison.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Drew said: “Those involved in the supply of drugs and use of weapons have no regard for the lives they affect and the harm they can cause, and we are committed to pursuing those involved in serious and organised crime and bringing them to justice.
“Today’s sentences, following an indepth investigation, shows the level of our commitment and how seriously this type of activity is viewed by the courts.
“Criminals use such weapons to cause fear, intimidation or harm in our communities and we are putting significant resources into tackling gun crime on a daily basis.
“We are constantly working with other forces and partners to target offenders and take action, and information from our communities plays a vital part in this. I would like to urge anyone with information on criminality in your area to please come forward so we can act upon it.”
If you have information on the storage of weapons or use of drugs, please contact @MerPolCC, or 101. Alternatively, you can pass information to independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Main picture (top row left to right) Danny Hanley, Paul Hoban, Paul Wright
(Middle row left to right) Eric McKevitt, Liam Morris, Kevin Cooney
(Bottom row left to right) Jodie Gill, Mason Si Gill, Paul McEwan
