In a dramatic twist, Ethan Deas, an 18-year-old, attempted to evade police by jumping from a balcony at an apartment block, aided by his father, following a 'revenge shooting'.

The incident occurred last summer in Stretford, where Deas shot a 17-year-old boy, severely injuring him. This shooting took place 18 months after the tragic stabbing of 16-year-old Kennie Carter in January 2022.

Prosecutors described the shooting as an act of 'planned revenge'. The victim was reportedly present during Kennie Carter's stabbing, but his identity remains protected by law.

Deas appeared alongside seven co-defendants at Manchester Crown Court, including his father Richard Williams, 37. Williams is accused of removing the firearm involved—an item that has still not been recovered—and making considerable efforts to keep his son hidden from law enforcement during a three-day manhunt.

On August 10, the day of the shooting, the victim was seen in Stretford around 4:30 PM accompanied by men on bikes when Deas and an unnamed 16-year-old, referred to as Boy A, entered the scene.

The court was informed that Deas appeared to be concealing a weapon during the altercation, from which he fired a shot within a range of six to ten metres. All individuals present fled the scene immediately after.

Emergency services found the victim inside a property; he was transported to the hospital with shotgun pellets injuring multiple organs but ultimately did not require surgery, being discharged a week later.

Shortly after the shooting, Williams attempted to contact his son, texting, "Ring me now what have you done?" Deas reportedly changed his shirt and cycled away from the area.

At approximately 4:45 PM, Deas messaged Boy A on Snapchat, instructing him to 'hide it good' as it was 'serious'. In another message, he expressed concern about his DNA being linked to the firearm.

Boy A indicated that his family was angry at him over the events. He later sent both a video and audio message admitting to the shooting.

Following this, Williams made arrangements to retrieve the weapon, which Deas had directed others to dispose of. Evidence suggests Williams, driving a grey Hyundai Tucson registered to him, was linked to transporting the gun from Boy A's home.

Subsequent messages revealed Boy A believed that Williams was under arrest and mentioned giving him the shotgun.

Judge Elizabeth Nicholls noted, "The gun was never recovered and remains at large." Williams’ defense claimed he was only charged with moving the weapon, not disposing of it.

After collecting the bag, the Tucson, with Deas as a passenger, was traced to Lymm in Cheshire. Williams was also found to be searching for news articles about the shooting.

On the morning of August 11, police arrested Boy A and another individual referred to as Boy B. Williams subsequently booked a stay at Dream Apartments in Salford, where he and Deas checked in.

The following day, despite discussions about the possibility of Deas escaping arrest, police arrived at the apartment, leading to Deas' capture after he jumped from one balcony to another.

During the sentencing, prosecutors highlighted Williams' extensive knowledge of the events and his persistence in attempting to remove Deas from police sight.

Ethan Deas from Wythenshawe admitted to grievous bodily harm with intent and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life. Richard Williams, from Stretford, pleaded guilty to two counts of assisting an offender.

Several co-defendants, including 19-year-old Jayden McKenzie and 18-year-old Decarrius Metz-Lawrence, along with four teenage boys, pleaded guilty to related charges.

Deas' defense argued that his difficult background and maturity level should be considered during sentencing, emphasizing a traumatic upbringing marred by violence and loss.

Williams, having prior convictions spanning 39 offenses, has not offended for seven years preceding the incident but displayed desperate behavior to protect his son during the crisis.

Boy A's defense highlighted his immature upbringing and reluctance to assist Deas despite the pressure from peers.

Judge Nicholls is expected to deliver her sentence on Friday, December 20.