Teenager detained for storing gun

A teenager has been sentenced to three years detention for looking after a shotgun for gang members.

Paul Carroll, 18, of Liverpool, pleaded guilty to possessing the weapon - but claimed he was asked to keep the weapon for the Croxteth Crew gang.

The gun was found in an outside meter cupboard during a raid at his home in Sovereign Hey, Croxteth, in January.

The judge at Liverpool Crown Court said Carroll had put the weapon somewhere "deliberately accessible".

Judge Henry Globe QC said he had stored the gun, which was unloaded and had a shortened stock, for others whom he knew intended to use it to endanger life.

The court heard that a photo of a man holding a gun was found on Caroll's mobile phone.

It is symptomatic of perverse thinking Judge Henry Globe QC

He admitted to agreeing to the photograph being taken as "he was showing off and trying to look big", the court heard.

The court was told that Carroll had no intention of using the gun but was on the periphery of the gang and was fearful of the consequences of not agreeing to store it.

While summing up the judge warned about increasing gun crime on Merseyside and the continuing gang warfare between the Croxteth Crew and the Strand gang.

"These people have created havoc on Merseyside as part of gang warfare leading to numerous injuries and loss of life," said Judge Globe.

"It is extremely concerning in today's society that an 18-year-old believes it is something to be proud of being photographed holding a gun.

"It is symptomatic of perverse thinking," he added.