'Panicked' man went on the run after DNA found on gun used in shooting

A man who "panicked" and fled when his DNA was discovered on a firearm used in a shooting just days before it was found hidden in woodland was told by a judge that he merely "delayed the inevitable". Thomas Morrison was forensically linked to a Russian-manufactured handgun which had been used to fire multiple bullets at a residential property.

However, as he prepared to face a jury over his involvement with the lethal weapon, the former labourer and scaffolder failed to appear in court for several months. Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday that Merseyside Police discovered a silver pistol and live rounds of ammunition inside a plastic bag in a wooded area in Stockbridge Village on June 16 2021.

The weapon was later identified as a Russian Baikal blank firing gun that had been converted to discharge 9mm bullets. Prosecutor Gareth Roberts described how three bullets were also found inside the magazine.

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Investigations revealed that the firearm had been used three days earlier on June 13, when the downstairs window and front door of a house on Woolfall Crescent in Huyton were damaged after several shots were fired at the address in the early hours. Morrison's DNA was subsequently found on the internal barrel and magazine base.

The 31 year old, from Pool Hey in Stockbridge, was due to face trial in July but failed to attend court on this date, reports the Liverpool Echo.

Thomas Morrison, convicted of possessing a prohibited weapon in his absence, was later apprehended. His defence, Paul Becker, told the court: "Thomas Morrison would like me to afford an apology for the discourtesy of being absent during his trial.

"He remained in the locality. He did not prevent the trial from going ahead and was arrested about four weeks or so ago. He had not left the area"

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Detailing Morrison's situation, Becker said: "He has an elderly mother who has COPD. He cares for her. The defendant was in poor mental health. The defendant advises me that he panicked at the prospect of a trial and was obviously aware his DNA was on the firearm.

"The defendant is a reasonably young man. He was a labourer. He was involved in the scaffolding trade until 2021. 2020 and 2021 were obviously difficult because of the pandemic. The defendant was laid off. He has problems with drugs and his mental health.

"There is no suggestion that the defendant was involved with the firearm beyond its possession at some stage. He cannot say under what circumstances."

Morrison acknowledged that he breached court bail.

During a video link appearance to HMP Liverpool, he received a sentence of five years and one month. Meanwhile, Callum O'Donohue admitted to firearm possession when his DNA was found on the trigger.

Already incarcerated, the 21 year old of no fixed abode was sentenced to three years in September.

During sentencing, Judge Charlotte Crangle remarked: "I make it clear that there is no suggestion that you were involved in that earlier discharge of the firearm. I sentence you on the basis of possession only and not involvement in that incident."

She continued: "It was clearly a weapon with the potential of being used to lethal effect. The citizens of Liverpool have no doubt had enough of guns being used within their city by rival gangs.

"All too often, innocent members of the public, including children, have been caught in the crossfire, resulting in death, destruction and despair. Those who have any connection to these firearms must expect significant custodial sentences.

"You were at large for about three months. It is not suggested that you fled the jurisdiction. You remained at home. I accept that there are mental health issues and that you are a carer for your elderly mother. However, it has only delayed the inevitable."