A major drug dealer planned to sell a revolver to his associates and sent “price lists” of guns that included AK47s and sub machine guns.
Paul Mangan, of Huyton, also used his Encrochat handle ‘Paleradio’ to order kilograms of cocaine, heroin and cannabis to distribute to low level dealers throughout Liverpool.
Yet Liverpool Crown Court heard Mangan lived a modest lifestyle in a two bedroom house despite playing a major role in the supply of drugs in parts of the city.
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The 27-year-old had denied conspiracy to transfer and possess prohibited weapons, as well as conspiracy to supply cocaine, heroin and cannabis, but was found guilty by a jury last month.
The court heard Mangan used Encrochat to message several accounts with price lists for a variety of different guns that could potentially be sourced, including sub-machine guns, rifles and Glock pistols.
One read: “Yes bro are they long or short? we got about 20 short and we only have about 8 long r self’s bro.”
Mangan eventually facilitated the transfer of a Special Calibre Revolver self-loading pistol.
Speaking about that gun, Alex Langhorn, prosecuting, said: “The crown assert the weapon had a significant link to the defendant’s other criminal activities.”
Mr Langhorn detailed how Mangan also bought kilograms of cocaine and heroin and cannabis and maintained significant control over his business, sharing the profits with one other partner.
However, his business fell apart when the Encrochat app was hacked and he was eventually arrested by police on the M5.
Mauro Maselli, defending, said Mangan had not taken on a full leading role in the drugs supply business and said he acted more as a courier to transfer large amounts of drugs down to street dealers.
He added that Mr Mangan’s lifestyle and financial situation was not reflective of a high level dealer.
Mr Maselli appealed to the judge to apply leniency to the sentence to take into account Mangan’s family, which includes a young daughter.
Mr Maselli said: “Mr Mangan is aware he is facing a lengthy prison sentence but I appeal to your honour to give him some light at the end of the tunnel and show him as much mercy as your honour feels able.”
Judge David Potter told Mangan that his family were among the victims of his crimes because of the lengthy time he would be absent due to his crimes.
He added that the large scale drug dealing which Mangan was involved in also damaged many of those living his his own community.
Judge Potter said: “The misuse of heroin and cocaine causes devastation to the people who take them and to the families who try their best to support them.
“These drugs blight the communities where addicts live and where dealers operate.”
Mangan, of Parkside Close, Huyton, was jailed for 18 and a half years.
Speaking after the case concluded, Merseyside Police Detective Constable Lynsey Dawson said: “Mangan’s covert messages via Encrochat revealed his clear involvement in the supply of dangerous weapons and drugs across Merseyside that could have caused grave injuries and suffering to families and residents in our community.
"We know the destruction that drugs and weapons cause and Merseyside Police remains relentless in our pursuit of these criminals and to bring down serious and organised criminal groups.
“Merseyside Police, along with law enforcement agencies across the world, will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit of those people who think they are above the law, and we will continue to target criminals like Mangan to keep this positive momentum going.”
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