Two drug dealers who "cuckooed" a woman's house in Liverpool witnessed their teenage friend being shot dead months later, a court has heard. Francis Harrison, 21, and Ryan Humphries, 19, were involved in the takeover of a home on Hornby Road in Walton on April 25, 2024, where police found 54 wraps of heroin, 12.1g of heroin, and cannabis resin. A converted blank-firing pistol was also recovered from the rear yard, with the DNA of a third defendant, David McDonald, 20, found on the weapon.
Witnessing a Killing
Harrison was left with post-traumatic stress disorder after seeing Ellis Cox, 19, shot dead on Liver Industrial Estate in Aintree on June 23, 2024. Humphries reported that Cox, his "best friend," died in his arms. Cox was not involved in criminality but had associations with individuals involved in previous incidents, according to police.
Violent Incidents
On June 23, 2024, Harrison was involved in a fight on a Merseyrail train towards Ormskirk, producing a cosh and hitting others forcefully to the head. On February 28, 2025, he pulled a knife during a fight in Liverpool city centre, handing it to an associate who brandished it before returning it.
Drug Operations
On June 27, 2024, police searched the home of an elderly man on Parkinson Road in Walton, recovering 256g of cannabis worth up to £3,840, nearly £4,000 in cash, and a mobile phone used to send flare messages advertising heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. McDonald's fingerprints were found on items including a vodka bottle and clothing stained with his blood.
On September 13, 2024, police stopped Humphries on Rawcliffe Road, finding him in possession of £1,000 and three ringing phones. A search of his home in Bootle uncovered 38.59g of cannabis, valued between £302 and £443.
Sentencing
McDonald, who admitted possession of a prohibited weapon and being concerned in the supply of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis, was jailed for 35 months. Judge Dennis Watson KC noted the seriousness of the firearms offence and McDonald's significant role in a street-dealing operation.
Harrison pleaded guilty to possession of heroin with intent to supply, two counts of affray, possession of an offensive weapon, and possession of a bladed article. He was sentenced to two years and eight months. His lawyer, Katy Appleton, said Harrison suffered from PTSD after witnessing the shooting and had been exploited and vulnerable.
Humphries admitted possession of heroin, cannabis, and cannabis resin with intent to supply. He will be sentenced on Monday next week. His barrister, Brendan Carville, said Humphries was 16 days into his 17th birthday when arrested and had witnessed the killing of his best friend.
Detective Chief Inspector Steve McGrath of Merseyside Police stated that Cox was not involved in criminality but had changed his friendship group shortly before his death.
