Daniel Estridge, 43, has been sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison after police discovered a loaded pistol hidden inside a slow cooker during a raid on his Liverpool flat. The court heard that Estridge inadvertently incriminated himself by blurting out a remark about the weapon.
Liverpool Crown Court was told that officers executed a search warrant at Estridge's home on Falkner Street in the Georgian Quarter at around 7:30 am on May 14, 2025. During the search, police found cannabis valued between £7,556 and £11,352, along with 4.45 grams of cocaine at 75% purity, and £25,360 in cash. Drug residue was found on scales and packaging.
A photograph of a Christmas tree decorated with banknotes was also discovered on Estridge's phone.
Discovery of the Firearm
In the kitchen, officers found a slow cooker containing a black bin bag with a firearm inside. When informed of the discovery, Estridge remarked: "Ah, it was all a good mood in here until they found a pistol in the kitchen." His partner then told him: "How do you know it's a pistol? They haven't said that. Be quiet and stop talking. That's what I've seen on the telly."
The weapon was identified as a converted Walther blank firing pistol, recovered with a magazine containing nine rounds of compatible 9x19mm Luger ammunition. Both the gun and ammunition were successfully test-fired. Estridge's DNA was found on the slide catch, side grips, magazine port, and other parts of the weapon.
Defence and Sentencing
Estridge had one previous conviction for assault occasioning actual bodily harm in 1998, when he was 15. His defence barrister, Anthony O'Donohoe, argued that Estridge was not a professional criminal and that his remark showed naivety. He said Estridge had engaged in education while in custody and wanted to better himself.
Judge Ian Harris, sentencing, stated: "Guns kill and maim, terrorise and intimidate. That is why criminals want them. Too many lethal weapons are too readily available." He noted the severity of gun offences and the impact of drugs on crime.
Estridge admitted possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition without a certificate, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possession of criminal property, and possession of cocaine. As he was led to the cells, supporters in the public gallery told him "we love you."
