Two individuals have been sentenced to more than two decades behind bars following an incident in Leeds where a firearm was discharged inside a residence during a dispute, resulting in damage to a neighbouring property’s window.
Christopher Hennigan and Michael Summers were handed their sentences today at Leeds Crown Court for their roles in the event and the events leading up to it.
Hennigan transported the firearm to a residence on Elmet Way in Swarcliffe on the afternoon of June 12 the previous year. Once inside the house, an argument ensued, during which he discharged the firearm.
The gunshot penetrated a window at the location before shattering a window at an adjacent property, which had no connection to the incident.
Hennigan then fled the scene, triggering a response from armed police who later tracked him to an address in Little Smeaton, near Selby, North Yorkshire, resulting in his subsequent arrest.
During the investigation, it was uncovered that Summers was the source of the firearm. He had coordinated a meeting with Hennigan in the parking lot of a pub in Armley shortly before the incident, with the intention of providing him with the weapon.
Appearing before Leeds Crown Court, 35-year-old Hennigan, residing at East View, Cross Gates, was sentenced after pleading guilty to charges including conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to incite fear of violence, firearm possession with intent to cause fear of violence, and assault causing bodily harm. His sentence amounted to 11 years and ten months, with an additional three-year extended license period.
Summers, 34 years old and living at Cardenden Drive, Bramhope, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm with intent to incite fear of violence, possessing a Class A drug with intent to distribute, cultivating cannabis, and having possession of criminal property. He was handed a sentence of nine years and nine months.
A search of his residence led to the discovery of approximately £41,000 worth of cocaine and £9,000 worth of cannabis, in addition to a substantial sum of money and ammunition.
Speaking after the sentencing, Detective Chief Inspector Lee Townley, of West Yorkshire Police’s Firearms, Prevent and Investigations Team said; “We treat the criminal use of firearms extremely seriously and are determined to remove guns and the people who use them off our streets.”
“I’m pleased that our investigations resulted in these two people being put behind bars for a significant period of time.
“The incident caused understandable concern in the community and could easily have resulted in tragedy.”
Anyone with information about illegal firearms can contact West Yorkshire Police by calling 101 or online via www.westyorkshire.police.uk/101livechat
Information can also be given anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. In an emergency, call 999.
