A Preston man who shot another man in the leg has been jailed for 10 years and 10 months.
AdvertisementDaniel Nicholls, of Guildford Road, Preston, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
The incident took place in the Ribbleton Lane area of Preston on Tuesday 25th October last year, when officers were called following reports of a man being shot around 1am.
Police launched a major investigation to track down Nicholls, 24, after the Webley revolver used in the shooting was recovered near the scene.
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Dawson praised the quick-thinking of officers who attended the incident for recovering vital evidence.
He said: “Naturally we are delighted with the sentence handed down by the judge. Nicholls is a dangerous man who did not think twice about using a gun on our streets.
“I would like to commend the officers attending the scene for their prompt actions. Due to their work, we were able to quickly establish what had happened which has resulted in this result.
“Although incidents like this are rare in Preston, I hope today’s outcome shows that we take cases like this very seriously and that we work closely with the CPS to bring appropriate charges. Even if the victim is reluctant to cooperate with the Police inquiry, significant convictions and sentences can still be achieved.”
A 29-year-old man was injured when Nicholls opened fire, but he was taken to Royal Preston Hospital at the time to be treated and made a full recovery.
DCI Dawson moved to reassure the public that gun crime was rare in Preston, but called on anyone with information about weapons in the city to get in touch with police.
He said: “Gun crime affects a very small number of people. I would like to reassure the communities of Preston that we take a very proactive approach in dealing with all firearms related intelligence and incidents and we are determined to take action in relation to those people responsible.”
Anyone with information about gun crime should call Preston Police on 101.
People can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or on-line at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.