Dangerous Gunman Jailed After Firing Homemade Shotgun in Busy Park
Liam Whitbread, 24, has been branded ‘dangerous’ and locked up for six years after firing a homemade shotgun on a sunny Bank Holiday weekend – right in front of families and children. On Friday 1 April, Manchester Crown Court handed down the sentence, plus an additional three years on licence.
Homemade ‘Slamgun’ Fired in Busy Redbank Park
The chilling incident happened on Saturday 30 May 2020. Whitbread smuggled a homemade shotgun, called a ‘slamgun’, wrapped in a towel onto Redbank playing fields in Radcliffe. A mobile phone video caught the moment he fired the weapon towards what police believe was a rival gang, as unsuspecting families and children enjoyed the sunny day nearby.
Thankfully, no one was physically hurt, but the gunshot sparked panic and fear among park-goers. Police received multiple calls, kicking off a complex investigation by Bury CID to catch the gunman.
Jury Convicts Whitbread After Strong Police Case
Detectives pieced together a watertight case using witness statements, CCTV footage, and forensic evidence. After a four-day trial, jurors found Whitbread guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
At sentencing, Whitbread was slammed as a ‘dangerous offender’ and ordered to serve six years behind bars, followed by three years on licence.
Detective Slams Reckless Act
The rash recklessness demonstrated by Liam Whitbread was as ridiculous as it was dangerous,” said Detective Inspector Andy Wright of GMP Bury CID. “It’s fortunate that nobody – including Whitbread himself – suffered physical injuries that day, but that doesn’t lessen the fear and distress caused. Crime involving guns is a top priority for us, and we are committed to keeping firearms off Bury’s streets. When incidents happen, we will always hunt down and bring offenders to justice.”
