Gun-toting Paul While locked up just 30 days after prison release
Back behind bars for firearms offences
Paul While, 32, was only out of jail for a month before the Merseyside Organised Crime Partnership (OCP) swooped to arrest him in September. The Kirkby man, linked to multiple shootings and gun supply crimes, was caught red-handed with a sawn-off shotgun in Knotty Ash.
While was on the police radar immediately after his release. Officers knew he planned to get hold of a firearm. On September 2nd, they caught him grabbing the weapon, but he tried to make a run for it. While tossed the shotgun over a fence and smashed his phone before being arrested.
Criminal record packed with violence and trouble
The 32-year-old’s rap sheet includes burglary and even trying to stab an inmate while locked up. He’s notorious across Merseyside’s organised crime groups. In fact, back in 2007, he accidentally shot himself in the foot with a sawn-off shotgun during a threat to a rival.
At Liverpool Crown Court last Friday, While was jailed for possessing a shotgun while banned for life, carrying the weapon without a certificate, and holding prohibited ammo. The judge noted that crime has dominated most of his life.
Organised Crime Partnership making waves
The OCP, formed just over six months ago in April, has hit gangsters hard. It targets high-risk crime groups flooding Merseyside with drugs and guns. Since launch, the unit has seized four firearms, £750,000 in criminal cash, and huge hauls including 104 kilos of cocaine, 13 kilos of heroin, and 63 kilos of cannabis.
- October: Simon Roberts, 57, jailed 10.5 years for heroin, cocaine supply and money laundering
- May: Stephen Taylor, 33, got nearly 13 years after a crack-down linked to the takedown of encrypted chat platform EncroChat
- Various other suspects charged or awaiting sentencing for drug and gun offences
Police vow to keep hitting criminals
“The OCP’s core mission is to protect the public and stop organised crime groups and offenders like Paul While bringing lethal weapons to our streets,” said Detective Chief Inspector Paul Lamb. “Drugs and guns often go hand in hand, causing chaos and misery. We’ve had a busy start with big wins but we’re not stopping.”
National Crime Agency senior manager Mick Maloney added, “Merseyside Police and the NCA make a strong team. Our work sends a clear message to criminals: we are hunting you relentlessly and will bring you to justice.”
