A man who burst into an elderly couple's home wearing only underpants and brandishing a fake gun and knife has been sentenced to five years in prison. Maurice Dodd, 33, from Westminster Road in Kirkdale, threatened the couple before a quick-thinking pensioner feigned a heart attack to bring the ordeal to an end.
Liverpool Crown Court heard on October 12 that Merseyside Police received multiple 999 calls from witnesses describing a young man in his underwear pointing a handgun at people near Mere Lane Neighbourhood Health Centre in Everton on the evening of July 7 2025. Armed police rushed to the location, and CCTV captured Dodd pointing the imitation gun at passing cars.
Intrusion into the Duffys' home
Dodd then went to the residence of Michael and Linda Duffy, then aged 89 and 67 respectively, on nearby Calder Road. Prosecutor Eric Lamb explained: "The couple heard a bang at the back door and rustling in the kitchen. Then, their living room door burst open with the defendant appearing with the imitation pistol in his hand and a knife in his right hand."
Having grabbed the blade from the Duffys' kitchen, Dodd threatened: "Where are they? If you don't tell me, I'll shoot you. Don't move or I'll shoot you." The couple were reportedly left "not surprisingly, terrified" but "had the presence of mind" to try and soothe Dodd as he looked in and out of rooms, as if searching for somebody.
Feigned heart attack ends ordeal
The incident is believed to have lasted between 30 to 40 minutes in total. Mr Duffy, who has since passed away at the age of 90, tried to divert Dodd by claiming he needed the loo before "slumping against the wall and feigning a heart attack". Dodd permitted his victims to dial 999 but refused to let them answer the door when paramedics arrived. He eventually exited through the back of the house, wiping clean the door handles and instructing the Duffys: "Don't tell them where I am."
Dodd, who has 11 previous convictions for 19 offences, was later spotted in a neighbouring garden brandishing two pairs of scissors, asking the resident if he could come in, or if they would give him a knife. Saliva samples taken after his arrest tested positive for cocaine.
Court sentencing and remorse
Daniel Travers, defending, told the court: "He fully acknowledges that his behaviour that day had a significant impact on Mr and Mrs Duffy, who in no way deserved to be frightened in their home by his actions. Through me, he wants the court to appreciate that he understands it. He is remorseful and apologetic for it."
Dodd pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, two counts of making threats to kill and possession of a bladed article in a public place. Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, he was sentenced to five years behind bars and given a seven-year restraining order.
During sentencing, Judge Dennis Watson KC said: "On the evening of the 7th of July last year, you were roaming the area near the health centre just south of Stanley Park in Everton. You were dressed in shorts or underwear, and you had a handgun. At times, you are seen to raise the gun and point it at passing traffic."
The judge added: "By a very clever and quick thinking ploy, Michael Duffy feigned a heart attack. You just about felt enough sympathy to allow an ambulance to be called, although you did not let the ambulance in until you left, wiping down the door with a tea towel." Dodd has vowed to stay off drugs completely and maintain his medication, according to his defence.
