Teenage girl hid gun in handbag

Sammy Geldard was jailed for five years

A 17-year-old girl who hid an automatic gun in her handbag for a friend has avoided a custodial sentence.

Chanelle Merryweather, originally from Manchester, concealed the loaded pistol when she and co-accused Sammy Geldard, 19, were stopped by police.

Preston Crown Court heard Geldard asked Merryweather, then 16, to hide the gun after seeing the officers in Ardwick.

Geldard, of Pattishall Close, Ardwick, was jailed for five years. Merryweather was given a two-year supervision order.

They both admitted possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

A member of the public saw Merryweather hide the Browning gun as the pair walked along Stockport Road in April.

I've every confidence this experience will teach Merryweather the importance of avoiding people such as Geldard and leading a wholesome life Judge Martin Steiger QC

Stella Harris, defending Merryweather, said: "In real terms, Miss Merryweather's possession of this firearm was for a matter of minutes."

Miss Harris said Geldard, believed to be a member of the Longsight Crew gang, was often found to be wearing body armour when he was stopped and searched by police.

She said Merryweather was "not affiliated or a member of any gang".

Merryweather, a former pupil of Whalley Range High School for Girls, has moved away from Manchester and hopes to become a youth worker.

'Unsavoury connections'

Judge Martin Steiger QC told the court: "Guns are prevalent and a serious threat to the public, not only in the hands of those who use them but those who carry them."

The judge said he was satisfied Merryweather was "under some pressure to look after the weapon by Geldard, a man with some unsavoury connections".

He said: "I don't consider a custodial sentence is appropriate in this exceptional case and I've every confidence this experience will teach Merryweather the importance of avoiding people such as Geldard and leading a wholesome life in the future."

Speaking after the case, Det Con David Ogden, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "We don't know why they had the gun but it is extremely concerning that such a young girl would be carrying a loaded weapon."