Salford Duo Jailed After Loaded Gun Dumped in Police Chase
Two men linked to organised crime in Salford have been locked up after chucking a loaded gun during a dramatic police pursuit in Eccles back in May 2019.
James Saunders Bags 11 Years, Adam Buckley Gets 3½
James Saunders, from Weaste, and Adam Buckley, from Eccles, were sentenced at Manchester Crown Court on Thursday 28 January. Both pled guilty to possession of a loaded firearm in public, money laundering, and possession with intent to supply class A drugs.
- Saunders, 11 years: Also guilty of electric stun gun possession, handling stolen goods, disqualified driving and failing to appear in court.
- Buckley, 3 years 6 months: Received a shorter term but still behind bars.
High-Speed Chase and Hidden Stash in Eccles
Police spotted the pair acting shady on Liverpool Road on 28 May 2019. They ducked into a shop to hide from a police patrol, then fled in a red Honda Civic. When officers stopped the car, Buckley tried to bolt but was caught.
Investigators found a black bag hidden in a tree nearby containing a loaded Colt 1908 .25 automatic pistol, drugs, and cash. The firearm was forensically linked to Saunders.
Both men were arrested and taken into custody.
Operation Arctic Scores Major Victory Against Salford Crime
“It is utterly inconceivable to many that two young men can go out on our streets in broad daylight with a loaded weapon… they were foolish in thinking this would be the case,” said Detective Sergeant Daniel Worthington of GMP’s Salford Operation Arctic.
He praised the quick work of PC Mottram, whose patrol and sharp policing led to the suspects’ capture and recovery of the hidden weapons and drugs.
Saunders was already wanted for previous offences, including possession of an electric stun gun and driving while disqualified.
Detective Worthington added: “We continue to make positive strides with the public’s help to keep criminals off our streets.”
