Three Jailed for Threatening Woman with Fake Gun in Kirkby
Andrew Rathbone, 25, Michael Brown, 26, and Liam Higham, 21, have each been sentenced to prison at Liverpool Crown Court. The trio admitted to threatening a woman with an imitation firearm in Kirkby.
Fake Gun Fear Sparks Police Action
The terrifying event unfolded on March 13, 2022, after a pub argument the previous day. The victim was confronted by two men who opened her car door and pointed a fake gun at her, issuing threats. Despite the weapon being an imitation, it caused genuine fear and alarm.
Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said, “While the firearm was fake, it still caused fear and concern in the community. We will not tolerate the use of any weapon to intimidate or harm.”
Operation EVOLVE Battles Gang Crime Across Merseyside
This crackdown forms part of EVOLVE, a coalition of police and partners fighting gang crime in Merseyside. The initiative aims to clear areas of gang control, hold them secure, and rebuild safer communities.
- EVOLVE targets organised crime groups across Wirral, Liverpool, Knowsley, and Sefton.
- Partners include police, councils, fire and rescue, housing associations, health services, education providers, and community groups.
- The strategy focuses on eviction of gangs, prevention of their return, and empowering locals.
This strong-arm approach hopes to make Merseyside streets safer and crack down on dangerous thugs using weapons – fake or real – to intimidate residents.
