Gunman who shot man dead 'by accident' jailed

A man who claimed he accidentally shot another man dead has been jailed.

Shay Walker, 26, told police he believed he was holding an unloaded gun when he shot Peter Hale in the face in Liverpool in January.

Walker was cleared of murder by a jury at Liverpool Crown Court but pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition without a certificate, and breaching a suspended sentence.

He was jailed for a total of seven years and one month.

Mr Hale, 50, died in hospital after the shooting, which happened at a flat on Haslingden Close in Old Swan.

Det Ch Insp Jason Pye said: "Shay Walker admitted to being someone who was prepared to carry and store an extremely dangerous firearm.

"Merseyside is undoubtedly a safer place with him in prison, and we are pleased that he cannot cause any further harm."

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