On June 16, 2023, in Walton, Liverpool, police noticed a gang of teenagers fleeing a fish and chip shop. The defendants, Mason Hoey and David McDonald, both 17 at the time, attempted to escape by vaulting over garden fences, a court heard.

During the chase, officers discovered a loaded sawn-off shotgun hidden in a man bag that had been stashed in a wheelie bin. A judge remarked that the gun was 'not simply a weapon being carried to frighten'.

The police were on patrol due to ongoing tensions in the area and efforts to disrupt organized crime. Around 8:45 PM, they observed three males outside CK Wai Fish and Chips, prompting their frantic flight towards an alleyway off Cedardale Road.

Prosecutor David Watson described the scene where the group was seen "running for their lives" as they were approached by the unmarked police vehicle. Hoey was identified by his 'distinctive' hairstyle, McDonald was wearing all black, and a third teenager, 19-year-old Alfie Logan, was seen carrying the man bag.

Witnesses reported the trio "garden hopping" over fences before heading towards the rear of Parkinson Road and Fazakerley Road. While both Hoey and Logan were arrested, Logan was later cleared of possessing the firearm by a jury.

The bag contained a gas-powered air gun and a fully operational 12-gauge pump-action shotgun, loaded with three cartridges. The modifications made to the firearm were intended to conceal it while being carried.

Logan, who lived in Kirkdale, was also found with a balaclava, gloves, and a large sum of cash. DNA from McDonald was recovered from various parts of the weapon, which was found nearby where he was detained.

In court, McDonald’s defense attorney, Daniel Travers, highlighted the defendant's positive changes, noting he has not committed any offenses since June and is now in a stable relationship with a child. Travers expressed hope that McDonald would improve his future.

Rebecca Penfold, representing Hoey, mentioned that he had shown significant positive changes prior to the hearing, moving away from criminality. She expressed concern for the challenges he would face ahead.

Both defendants admitted to possession of the sawn-off shotgun. McDonald received a four-year sentence in a young offenders' institute, while Hoey was sentenced to three years.

Judge Gary Woodhall remarked during sentencing that the trio's frantic behavior indicated their awareness of possessing a dangerous weapon, which was carried for no legitimate purpose.