Ashley Shields (07/08/1984) of Plodder Lane, Bolton, was sentenced to 13 years for possession of five viable firearms which were recovered from various addresses in Little Hulton and Farnworth.
Shields was sentenced at Manchester Crown Court yesterday (Thursday 8 August 2024).
On Thursday 23 March 2023, police were informed of a violent disturbance in Little Hulton, Salford. After conducting enquiries, a warrant was executed at an address on Briar Hill Avenue, in Little Hulton.
During a search of the address, a rucksack was found in a wheelie bin at the rear of the property.
Inside the bag was a large quantity of cocaine. There was also a vacuum seal bag which contained a Glock 17 self-loading pistol, two empty magazine cartridges and a black plastic bag containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
This weapon and ammunition were forensically recovered and sent for DNA swabbing and analysis. The DNA profile of Shields was identified on the trigger of the weapon.
Shields was subsequently traced to an address in Bolton and arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm and ammunition. Upon arrest Shields was found to have live ammunition in his pocket.
A further warrant was executed at Shields’ home address whereby three revolvers were later recovered.
The firearm which was recovered at Madden’s home address was also found to have Shields’ DNA on it.
Shields’ co-defendant, Jay Madden (13/12/2003) of Cleggs Lane, Little Hulton, was sentenced to 5 years 7 months on Tuesday 21 May 2024 for possession of one firearm which was recovered at his home and being concerned in the supply of class B drugs.
Detective Constable Shannon, of GMP’s Challenger Organised Crime Unit in Salford, said:
“Today’s sentence has resulted in the seizure of five weapons, taken out of the hands of criminals who are involved in serious and organised crime.
“This recovery will undoubtedly hinder this organised crime group but will also help protect the local community from being endangered by their acts.
“Salford’s Programme Challenger Organised Crime Unit will continue to clamp down on criminals who think they do not have to follow the same rules as the rest of society and regularly endanger communities with their acts.”
If you see something suspicious – no matter how small – please contact either Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or call GMP on 101.
