A Middleton man has been jailed for his role in a firearms conspiracy following extradition from Ireland.
Back in 2028 Firearms officers recovered a Japanese ‘Singer Nikko’ self-loading shotgun, which had had its barrel and stock shortened.
Police also seized digital scales which had drug traces, and over £700 cash.
Seven of the men were jailed for a collective 75 years.
Police believed that Austin Kennedy had initial control of the firearm, and was responsible for its movements
They believed that Kennedy flew to Ireland when he heard of his co-conspirator’s arrests.
Over the last few years, extensive work has been ongoing with law enforcement colleagues from the Republic of Ireland and the National Crime Agency to locate Kennedy and bring him back to Manchester to be held accountable for his actions.
On 16 September last year Kennedy was extradited and brought back to the UK. He originally pleaded not guilty, and a trial was scheduled to commence today, however, he entered a last minute guilty plea to transferring a firearm. He was sentenced to eight years and seven months in jail.
Detective Inspector Rick Castley from our Serious Organised Crime Group said: ”Kennedy has been actively evading police for several years, so I welcome the sentence which has been handed down today.
“Our investigation team worked meticulously for several years with colleagues from the Republic of Ireland and the National Crime Agency to ensure Kennedy faced justice for the key role he played in this conspiracy. This result today signifies our commitment to working with our partners domestically and internationally to apprehend those involved in organised crime and firearms enabled criminality.
“Had we not intercepted the firearm that day, this weapon had the potential to be used by criminals to further their offending, or at worst, had fatal consequences. Across the serious crime division, we continue to run proactive investigations like this to tackle Greater Manchester’s most harmful offenders, ensuring they are caught before they pose danger to our society.”
