Thirteen criminals from Merseyside were sentenced to a combined total of 72 years and six months in prison over the past week, including a drug dealer caught via a Fanta can, a former police officer, and a pensioner who hid a gun in his oven.
Drug Dealer Brought Down by Fanta Can
David McDonald, 20, of no fixed address, was jailed for 35 months after his DNA was found on a Fanta can in a house where police discovered a drug stash worth thousands of pounds. He admitted possession of a prohibited weapon and being concerned in the supply of heroin, cocaine, and cannabis. Co-defendant Francis Harrison, 21, also of no fixed address, was jailed for two years and eight months for possession of heroin with intent to supply, two counts of affray, and possession of offensive weapons. Both smiled at family in the public gallery as they were led away.
Dad with £100k Drugs in M&S Bag
Darren McDonnell, 41, of Edgemoor Drive, Crosby, was jailed for seven-and-a-half years after police found over £100,000 worth of drugs in a Marks and Spencer bag in his van on the M62. He was couriering more than 8,000 MDMA and 2CB pills with his 13-year-old son in the passenger seat. McDonnell admitted possession of MDMA, 2CB, tapentadol, and MCAT with intent to supply, as well as driving while disqualified and without insurance. He claimed he was clearing a £900 cannabis debt.
Former Police Officer Jailed for Sexual Relationship with Victim
Christopher Cave, 62, from Formby, a former police officer, was jailed for one year and nine months after admitting to a sexual relationship with a crime victim while on duty. He began the relationship in 2004 while serving with Nottinghamshire Police, continuing until early 2011. He later joined South Yorkshire Police, where the allegations emerged in 2022. He pleaded guilty to two counts of misconduct in a public office.
Pensioner Hid Gun in Oven for Drug Dealers
Richard Streets, 66, of Thursby Drive, Kirkby, was jailed for six-and-a-half years after police found a handgun in his oven. He admitted possession of a prohibited weapon, ammunition without a certificate, and cocaine with intent to supply. Streets said he hid the firearm for drug dealers after borrowing £800 from them following benefit payment issues, and felt powerless to stop them after being attacked.
Dad Shot at Police with Blank Pistol
Ryan Murray, 25, of Sterling Way, was jailed for four years after firing a blank pistol at police officers who were chasing him. He had earlier terrorised his estranged partner and warned officers he had 'something waiting for them.' A judge remarked that officers believed they were being shot with real bullets. Murray admitted two counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and threatening behaviour.
Rapist Jailed for Violent Assault
Akeeme Randall, 29, of Wellfield Street, Warrington, was jailed for five years for rape. He placed his victim in a bear hug when she resisted, and the judge said he 'treated her not as a person but as someone whose wishes you could simply override.' Randall was found guilty by a jury.
Other Sentences
Daniel Estridge, 43, of Falkner Street, was jailed for five years and 10 months after police found a gun in his slow cooker, along with £10,000 in cannabis and £25,000 in cash. Daniel King, 33, of Shrewton Road, Belle Vale, and James McGlade, 29, of Rosefield Road, Woolton, were each jailed for 38 months for drug supply. Tyler Lynch, 20, of Hamblett Crescent, St Helens, was sentenced to four years in a young offenders' institute for sexual assault and strangulation. Daniel Lawless was jailed for 18-and-a-half years plus four years on licence for shooting an innocent man in the legs with a shotgun. Karen Palmer was jailed for seven-and-a-half years for wounding her husband with intent during a campaign of domestic abuse.
