Man 'panicked' and went on the run after his DNA was found on gun used in shooting

A man "panicked" and went on the run when his DNA was found on a firearm used in a shooting days before it was discovered hidden in woodland. Thomas Morrison was forensically linked to a Russian-manufactured handgun which fired a hail of bullets at a property on a residential street.

But, as he prepared to face a jury over his involvement with the lethal weapon, the former labourer and scaffolder got on his toes and failed to show his face in court for several months. A judge today told him he had merely "delayed the inevitable" in seeking to evade justice.

Liverpool Crown Court heard on Monday that Merseyside Police discovered a silver pistol and live rounds of ammunition inside a plastic bag which was found in a wooded area in Stockbridge Village on June 16 2021. This weapon was subsequently found to be a Russian Baikal blank firing gun which had been converted in order to enable the discharge of 9mm bullets.

READ MORE: 'Bullying' sports coach drew penis on pupil's face at school where he worked

READ MORE: Boy, 14, subjected teen to brutal attack in car park then tried to murder love rival

Gareth Roberts, prosecuting, described how three bullets were also found inside the magazine. Investigations meanwhile revealed the firearm had been used three days previously 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 later located on the internal barrel and magazine base. The 31-year-old, of Pool Hey in Stockbridge was due to face a trial in July but failed to attend court on this date.

He was ultimately convicted of a prohibited weapon by a jury in his absence before being apprehended last month. Paul Becker, defending, 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.

"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 also admitted breaching court bail. Appearing via video link to HMP Liverpool, he was jailed for five years and one month.

Another defendant, Callum O'Donohue, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm after his DNA was found on the trigger of the gun. The now 21-year-old, of no fixed address, was locked up for three years in September.

Sentencing, Judge Charlotte Crangle said: "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.

"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 rivals gang.

"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."