In a significant discovery linked to a motorbike theft, police unearthed a loaded gun hidden in a North Face bag wrapped inside a Moncler coat. The investigation began when a security firm alerted Merseyside Police about a tracking device on a stolen motorcycle, leading to a raid on a property on Westhead Avenue, Kirkby on May 23.

During the search, officers found a Glock-type self-loading pistol along with 27 rounds of ammunition associated with submachine guns. The weapon was concealed inside a black North Face crossbody bag.

The gun's DNA was traced back to Kirk Davies, a 22-year-old from Croxteth, resulting in emotional court proceedings. Davies claimed he was merely holding the weapon for other criminals and refused to divulge their identities due to fear of repercussions.

On December 11, Liverpool Crown Court was informed of Davies' previous criminal record, which included convictions for possession of an offensive weapon in public in 2018. Despite his claims, Davies accepted responsibility for possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition without a license.

During the sentencing, Judge Neil Flewitt KC emphasized that Davies’ handling of the weapon, evidenced by the DNA findings, left no room for leniency. He stated: "Your case is that you were asked by someone to take the bag containing the gun and ammunition. You are not prepared to name that person as you are afraid of repercussions."

Ultimately, Davies was sentenced to five years in prison, with one spectator visibly emotional in the gallery as the judge delivered the ruling. Judge Flewitt noted the absence of exceptional circumstances to justify a shorter sentence, thereby enforcing the mandatory minimum term for the charges.