An ex-professional footballer is set to be locked up after being found with a gun once stashed in the home of a Kirkby gran.
The downfall of Paul Shepherd, who once played for Leeds and Luton, was secured when police stopped his car and found a block of cocaine inside.
That discovery led to his home being raided - with search teams then finding a pistol, a rifle and 200 rounds of ammunition.
READ MORE: Shocking images show gang raid
A jury today found him guilty of gun and drugs offences.
The 43-year-old's conviction marks the latest stage in the collapse of a remarkable gun smuggling plot that saw a Kirkby nan order her grandson to remove firearms - including one of those later found in Shepherd's possession - from her home.
The case unravelled when Shepherd was stopped in his car by officers from West Yorkshire Police in April 2020.
The discovery of cocaine in his vehicle prompted a search of his Leeds home that uncovered a Glock semi-automatic pistol, an Howa bolt-action rifle, the ammunition and a mobile phone loaded with EncroChat, the top-secret communications platform beloved by gangsters that was hacked by investigators last year.
Messages on the device linked Shepherd to the guns and triggered further arrests across England.
One of those targeted was Merseyside criminal Gerard Wignall.
In March of last year, Wignall was released from jail following a nine year sentence for drugs offences.
His nan allowed him to stay with her in Kirkby, but she erupted in fury when she quickly realised he was storing guns at her home.
Liverpool Crown Court heard Marie Jones text her grandson just before 7am on March 23, 2020, saying: "Gun out now."
Wignall, formerly of Wellfield Road, Walton, replied "Hahaha it’s not real nan x", then added: "Nan?"
Ms Jones text back "Out" and her grandson pleaded: "I left it there to put on my wall nan wanted to ask first sorry."
His nan warned "You can get 5" and Wignall said "For what it's not real Nan it isn't what you think it is" but she insisted: "Out"
Wignall replied: "Ok al be home soon."
One of those weapons was the Howa rifle which, when seized from Shepherd, was forensically examined and found to have Wignall's DNA on it.
When detectives probed him they discovered the messages from his nan, which acted as further proof he had been in possession of guns.
Wignall, 33, was sentenced to 16 months for two counts of possessing a firearm when prohibited for life.
His court case heard he was storing the rifle, which had been stolen in a raid in Hereford.
Hacked EncroChat messages allowed detectives to track the sale of the gun from Merseyside to Leeds for £4,500.
It was collected by Shane Kameka, who transported it to Yorkshire, where it ended up in Shepherd's hands.
Kameka, 40, has pleaded guilty to being involved in supplying firearms.
He is now due to be sentenced for his role in the gun supply network and a separate arson offence.
Shepherd was found guilty today after a three day Leeds Crown Court trial and is due to be sentenced following a separate trial next year.
Investigators believe Shepherd and Kameka were assisted by Clinton Blakey, 36 and of Dunstarn Drive, Leeds, who is currently wanted by the National Crime Agency after failing to appear at court after he was charged in August.
A further suspect, Carl O’Flaherty, 36 and of Leysolme Terrace, Leeds, was arrested in June 2020 and pleaded guilty to multiple drugs and firearms charges in July.
The NCA said evidence proved that he helped source the firearm for Shepherd and took eventual payment for it.
Speaking after Shepherd's conviction, NCA Operations Manager, Nigel Coles, said: “Shepherd went to great lengths to acquire dangerous firearms that were criminally sourced.
“We’re pleased that the evidence presented at court this week has secured a guilty verdict and hope further charges can be proven at a later date.
“The seriousness of gun crime cannot be underestimated.
"Had we not intercepted these weapons they would have been used to threaten and intimidate others with the potential loss of life. Criminals like Shepherd, O’Flaherty and Kameka perpetuate violent crime and are only motivated by financial gain. Reducing the availability of illegal firearms remains a priority for the NCA.
“We are still seeking one other man involved in this investigation.
“Anyone with information on Clinton Blakey’s whereabouts is urged to contact the National Crime Agency on 0370 496 7622 or contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.”
