A shotgun-wielding thug who opened fire on a rival group just yards from playing children has been jailed. Mobile phone footage captured Liam Whitbread firing a homemade shotgun in the middle of Redbank playing fields in Radcliffe.
A judge described the 24-year-old as 'dangerous' as he sentenced him to six years behind bars on Friday (April 1). Minshull Street Crown Court heard how Whitbread carried the makeshift firearm - known as a 'slamgun - onto the field under a towel on a sunny Bank Holiday afternoon on May 30, 2020. Footage released by police shows the shocking moment he then fired the gun towards a rival group as families sunbathed and children played nearby on the field.
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No one was injured, but police say it caused "distress and panic" for many of those present. After receiving several calls from members of the public, detectives launched an investigation to find the gunman.
Whitbread, of Grosvenor Street, Radcliffe, has now been jailed for six years after a jury convicted him of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. Detective Inspector Andy Wright, of GMP Bury's CID, said: "The rash recklessness demonstrated by Liam Whitbread was as ridiculous as it was dangerous and it's important that he now has to serve a number of years behind bars for what he did that day.
"It's fortunate that nobody - including Whitbread himself - didn’t suffer any physical injuries as a result of his actions, but that doesn’t diminish the impact it had on those who were there or who heard the gunshot as it was no doubt a distressing and fearful incident. Crime involving guns is one our top priorities and we continue to work with great intent to ensure that the use of firearms on the streets of Bury is as low as possible.
"We work tirelessly to prevent such incidents occurring, but are committed in that when they do occur we will do all we can to identify and bring to justice those responsible."
Police take reports of gun crime extremely seriously and encourage people to report anything concerning or suspicious online, if able, or via 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency. Information can be passed anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
