Three men sentenced to over 40 years in jail after Netherton shooting
The victim was left with a gunshot wound to his leg following the incident
Three men have been sentenced for their parts in the shooting of a man in Netherton earlier this year.
Merseyside Police said they were welcoming the results of a trial that saw the men handed sentences totalling 44 years in prison.
All three men were sentenced on Friday (September 27th) following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in August.
The convictions relate to a shooting that took place on January 5th this year, following a shooting at 1pm on Harrops Croft in Netherton.
In the shooting, the victim - a 26-year-old man was identified, who later admitted to having a gunshot wound to his leg.
Investigations were launched following the shooting, which led to Joel Hastings, Jake Howells and Daniel Howells being arrested, charged and convicted.
Joel Hastings, aged 30, of Andrew Street, Walton, was sentenced to 16 years for possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and Conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
Meanwhile, twin brothers Jake and Daniel Howells were each sentenced to 14 years in prison for conspiracy to commit grievous bodily harm.
On top of their custodial sentences, each of the suspects will serve another four years on licence, meaning they will be still serving a prison sentence but can live in the community instead of being in prison.
Speaking following the ruling, Detective Chief Inspector Phil Atkinson from Merseyside Police said: "The sentences handed out reflect the recklessness and planning of this attack, which earlier this year left a man injured and a community understandably shaken.
"The consequences of gun crime can be far-reaching and devastating, and we will do all in our powers to identify and bring before the courts those people who look to bring such weapons onto the streets.
"Although the number of firearms incidents in Merseyside continues to decrease, we will never cease in our determination to target and apprehend gun crime offenders."
Mr Atkinson admitted that the victim had been reluctant to co-operate with officers, but commended his bravery for coming forward, adding that three dangers to society are now off the streets.
"I hope the communities of Netherton and beyond see such results as evidence of the ongoing work that Merseyside Police and our partners continues to do to reduce the harm of serious and organised crime," he added.