A man has been jailed for 8 years, 8 months years after a revolver and ammunition discovered in a search of wasteland in Kirkby was found to have his DNA on it.

Officers were conducting an open land search on wasteland near Domingo Drive on:- 18 July 2024 when they recovered the Smith & Wesson Magnum calibre revolver and ammunition.

After forensic examination of the items, the DNA of James Donoghue, 35 years, was found on the firearm and he was arrested on:- 7 May 2025. After his arrest, heroin and cocaine was found in his home.

Donoghue, of Wentworth Drive, Everton was subsequently charged with possession of a firearm and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs.

On Wednesday, 8 October 2025 he appeared in Liverpool Crown Court where he was jailed for 5 years for the firearms offence, and 3 years, 3 months for drug supply - to be served consecutively.

Detective Inspector Chris Clark said:- "We are committed to removing all weapons from our streets and putting the people who carry them before the courts. This discovery came from a search of land we had reason to believe may have been sued to store firearms. Searches such as this are happening all year round, to disrupt those who use, store and carry guns and take such weapons off the streets so they can’t be used to cause harm in Merseyside. I hope the jailing of Donaghue serves as a warning to anyone who thinks it's acceptable to handle or store firearms in the heart of our communities. We will continue to conduct proactive operations such as searches as well as warrants, stop checks and arrests to target organised criminals who are prepared to use of firearms in our communities. The communities affected by these criminals can help us make the streets safer by being our eyes and ears. If you tell us what you know about where firearms are being stored, we can and will take positive action."
 
Anyone with information on firearms in Merseyside should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via @MerPolCC on X or Facebook. You can also report information via their website.
 
Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on:- 0800 555 111, or via their website.

In an emergency always call:- 999.