Pair jailed after Failsworth victim was 'pistol whipped'

Images courtesy of GMP

Two men have been jailed after they were found guilty of a brutal assault which included the use of a butt of a firearm.

In the early hours of the morning on Monday, April 5, 2021, residents of Richmond Road in Failsworth woke to the sound of screams as a man fell victim to a sustained and bloody assault.

An investigation was launched by Greater Manchester Police's Serious Organised Crime Group, despite the victim claiming his injuries were as a result of falling over.

With multiple broken bones to his face and ribs, it became evident that the victim had been ‘pistol whipped’ - beaten with the butt of a firearm.

On Friday, April 30, police arrested Kane Barker.

A search of an address associated to Barker led police to recover a firearm hidden away in the roof space of the basement.

Blood analysis of the weapon also matched the victim.

Phone analysis from a mobile which was seized from Barker’s car detailed numerous incriminating messages and pictures between himself and Johnny Joyce linking the two to the assault, including one text saying “f***ing h*ll you done a proper job on him there boys”, and placing them on Richmond Road at the time of the assault.

Kane Barker (aged 33) was jailed for six years and one month after pleading guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon.

Johnny Joyce (32) was jailed for seven years after he was found guilty of possession of a prohibited weapon.

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