Teen Busted Cycling with Loaded Shotgun in Manchester
Nathaniel Morris, 19, has been locked up for six years and eight months after cops caught him with a loaded shotgun and a stash of class A drugs. The sentence was handed down on Friday 14 May at Manchester Crown Court.
Xcalibre Task Force Snaps Up Another Firearms Offender
Morris, from Chattock Street, became the latest target in GMP’s fierce crackdown on gun crime in South Manchester. The drama unfolded on the evening of 25 March 2020 when officers were tipped off by a member of the public about a suspected robbery by youths on bikes on Oxford Road.
Police soon spotted Morris cycling on a white bike at Freetown Close. He tried to bolt but was forced off his bike after a foot chase ending near Manchester Science Park car park.
Loaded Shotgun, Drugs, and a String to Carry It
When officers searched the teen, they found a shotgun cartridge tucked in his jacket pocket. Nearby, they recovered a balaclava and gloves. A thorough search where Morris ditched his bike uncovered a single-barrel shotgun with a shortened barrel and a string attached – making it easy to carry.
Back at Morris’s home, cops found nearly £300 worth of drugs hidden inside a Kinder Egg capsule. The haul included 28 snap-bags of heroin and one bag of cocaine.
Although Morris denied owning the shotgun, forensic evidence linked him firmly to the weapon and ammo. He later pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, cocaine and heroin with intent to supply, and cannabis possession.
Police Praise Hard Work in Taking Dangerous Criminal Off Streets
“It’s rewarding to see Morris behind bars after the dedicated work of both patrolling officers and the investigation team,” said Detective Constable Mark Graham of the Xcalibre Task Force.
“Cycling around with a loaded shotgun shows just how dangerous he was. We’re determined to keep weapons like this off our streets.”
Detective Inspector Ian McNabb added: “Our fight against organised crime continues daily. Every weapon seized and criminal jailed is a win for Manchester’s safety.”
Spot Crime? Tell the Police or Stay Anonymous
Got information on gun crime or suspicious activity? Contact Greater Manchester Police online at www.gmp.police.uk or call 101. In an emergency, always dial 999.
You can also pass details anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
