Francis Collins, an 18-year-old from Moss Lane in Orrell Park, Liverpool, was sentenced to seven years in a young offenders' institute after he directed police to a firearm hidden in his girlfriend's attic and admitted to running a drug supply line. The case was heard at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, July 9, 2026.
Discovery of the Firearm and Drugs
Police attended Collins' home on April 22 after identifying him as the operator of four phone numbers used to supply drugs in Southport, known as the "G Wag Line." Between September 2025 and April 2026, the line sent approximately 7,500 messages offering heroin and crack cocaine, including texts advertising "fat bits" and "best of both."
When officers located Collins in his girlfriend's bedroom, he immediately confessed: "There's a strap up there. There's nothing in the chamber, but there are five or six sweets in the magazine and also fake kilos." He also admitted to having "coke, pills, ket, weed and pink" in a safe. A search revealed cocaine, crack cocaine, ketamine, cannabis, 2CB, tusi (a pink powder mixture of ketamine and MDMA), and £1,920 in cash.
In the loft, police found approximately 3kg of an off-white powder—the "fake kilos" Collins referenced—and a black Hi-Point self-loading pistol with six compatible rounds of ammunition. The firearm was disassembled and could not be test-fired, but its barrel, frame, and firing pin were in "fair condition."
Previous Convictions and Mitigation
Collins had four previous convictions for five offences, including a 12-month youth rehabilitation order for possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply in April 2025. Julian Nutter, defending, told the court: "He did something extraordinary here in Liverpool. He made full and frank admissions at the scene, which led to the recovery of a firearm. That was commendable behaviour on the part of somebody committing offences of this sort."
Nutter highlighted Collins' vulnerability and long history of drug abuse, stating: "He has been taking cannabis from the age of 13. The detection of exploitation occurred some time ago. What happens when somebody is led astray as a young person, as a child, and they have nobody to love them and support them and terrible examples around them? Eventually, they cease being exploited and take it up for themselves."
Sentencing and Ban
Collins pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition without a certificate, possession of crack cocaine and ketamine with intent to supply, being concerned in the supply of heroin and crack cocaine, possession of criminal property, and possession of tusi and cannabis. Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, he was sentenced to seven years in a young offenders' institute. A criminal behaviour order also bans him from entering Southport for the next 10 years.
Sentencing, Recorder Richard Pratt KC said: "These matters came to light when, following investigation and examination, phone messages demonstrated that there had been an active county lines supply going on for several months in the Southport area. You pointed out that, in a loft, there was a firearm and ammunition. It was a frank and immediate admission by you. Why you had it and for what purpose it was to be used, you have offered no explanation. These offences, committed over a period of several months, involving phone calls well into the thousands, demonstrate that this was a sophisticated and thriving business."
