Gun Crime Gang Busted in High-Speed Firearm Swap
Blank-Firing Guns Converted into Lethal Weapons
A criminal gang led by Nathan Godfrey from Barnsley was caught red-handed with converted Retay firearms — blank-firing guns turned into deadly live weapons. The gang moved these illegal firearms across the country, with members travelling long distances to make the transfers.
Police Snatch Loaded Gun After High-Speed Boot Exchange
On 27 January 2020, just before 4.30pm, a stolen BMW and a VW Golf pulled up boot-to-boot on Reins Lea Avenue in Oldham. Sebastian Benjamin and Michael McDonagh, both from Hemel Hempstead, were behind the wheel. Two men grabbed a loaded handgun and handed it over in the BMW. Armed cops quickly swooped and stopped the BMW on Cavendish Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, seizing the loaded gun with three rounds inside. Eleven more bullets hid in a sock in the boot.
Oldham Hub and Coordinated WhatsApp Chats Exposed
The gun exchange happened near Hedley Brown’s home in Oldham. Brown was seen leaving his house, chatting by the Golf, then slipping into a pub while removing a latex glove. Police later raided his home and found a second firearm—identical to the first—with 16 rounds of ammo. Weeks earlier, Brown and Godfrey had exchanged WhatsApp messages featuring guns and ammo images.
Manhunt Ends with Multi-Member Arrests and Lengthy Jail Terms
- McDonagh was arrested at a Hemel Hempstead service station on 18 March 2020.
- Stuart Nicholson was caught outside a Lincolnshire address on 11 April 2020.
- Godfrey, who orchestrated the entire operation and evaded capture for months, was found in Salford Quays with false IDs. He had even discussed fleeing the country.
On 15 July 2021, Godfrey was jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer firearms.
All Gang Members Face the Music
- Ryan Catton (Driffield) got 13 years for conspiracy to transfer firearms.
- Lee Nicholson (Barnsley) pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 8 years 3 months.
- Hedley Brown received 13 years 6 months for multiple firearm and drug offences.
- Michael McDonagh jailed for 7 years 2 months for possession of firearm and ammo with intent to endanger life (sentenced 7 March 2022).
- Sebastian Benjamin and Stuart Nicholson each got 5 years for firearm and ammo possession without certificates.
- Craig Steenson got 16 years for conspiracy to supply firearms, cocaine, and criminal property possession.
- Cody Hurley sentenced to 7 years 6 months for firearm and ammo possession without certificates.
- Peter Locker received 8 years 3 months for firearm possession and intent to supply cocaine and cannabis.
All others were sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court last July.
This ruthless organised crime group is now off the streets after police cracked down on their deadly firearm racket.
