Dangerous Gunman Jailed for 20 Years After Shooting in Winsford
Daniel Evans, a Liverpool resident, has been locked up for 20 years after a shocking shooting in Winsford in October 2019. Following a bitter row with a woman, Evans came back armed and fired a bullet into her brother’s leg at point-blank range.
Shot at Close Range, Then Fled in Stolen Van
The victim, a 26-year-old man, was helping his sister eject Evans from their Denbigh Drive home when Evans returned with a handgun. The bullet tore through the man’s calf and lodged in a door handle. Evans then pushed over a milkman and fled the scene in a stolen refrigerated van.
The injured man was rushed to Leighton Hospital and treated before being discharged the next day. Police launched a manhunt that ended with Evans being arrested in Liverpool on 7 December 2019.
Court Case Exposes Violent Past
Evans was charged with grievous bodily harm with intent, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault, intimidating a witness, taking a vehicle without consent, and assaulting the milkman. He admitted stealing the van but denied the other offences.
After a four-day trial at Chester Crown Court, a jury found Evans guilty of the most serious offences on 10 September 2020. Assault charges against the woman and the milkman were dropped or left on file.
Judge Calls Evans ‘Dangerous’ Man
Evans was sentenced to 15 years behind bars, plus five years on licence. Judge Nicholas Woodward described him as ‘a dangerous man’ with a history of crime and warned that victims suffer long-lasting effects.
Detective Chief Inspector Simon Draco praised the investigation team, saying, “Evans is a very dangerous man with access to a viable firearm, willing to cause serious harm.”
“Thankfully, it was only good fortune the victim wasn’t more seriously injured,” he added.
Community Urged to Help Police Tackle Crime
Police and Crime Commissioner David Keane expressed sympathy for the victim and applauded officers for ridding the streets of dangerous offenders. Chief Inspector Gary Smith urged locals to report any suspicious activity to keep the area safe.
- Evans stole the refrigerated van in Winsford; it was later recovered nearby.
- The handgun used in the shooting remains missing as police continue their investigation.
- Community members are encouraged to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
This high-profile conviction sends a powerful warning: firearms offences won’t be tolerated in Cheshire.
