These are the photos shared by an EncroChat dealer who sought to operate as a key figure in Merseyside’s gun and grenade trade.
Patrick Murray was today handed a life sentence along with associate Michael Hoy after their discussions over AK47s, pistols and ‘pineapples’ - slang for grenades - were obtained by detectives.
It was the second life sentence handed to convicted murderer Hoy, formerly known as Michael Brown.
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Both men used phones loaded with EncroChat, an encrypted messaging network that police say was beloved by gangsters.
When the system was hacked in an international criminal investigation it led to the messages of thousands of users becoming available to police.
That included those of Murray, whose EncroChat codename was WeirdGun, and Hoy, who used the handle TimelyBeta.
Stephen McInally, prosecuting, today laid bare how conversations linked to the pair betrayed their attempts to operate as prominent weapons dealers.
Pictures sent by Murray, many to Hoy, helped to secure their downfall. In a message on April 7, 2020, Hoy asked Murray: “You got a pic of them new apples mate.”
Murray replied: “No mate but there meant to belters - I can try get viewing on them if need”. Hoy responded: “This fella wants them all. 1250 told him.”
Pictures of grenades were later sent from Murray to Hoy.
On April 12, Murray sent a message to Hoy that was essentially a stock list of guns that were apparently available.
It included two AK47s, an Uzi and a number of handguns with silencers. Each gun came with “sweets” - rounds of ammunition.
On April 15, Murray sent a photograph of an AK47 to Hoy with the message “Ak there if wants”. Then: “Got the stock an da with it.”
Judge Robert Trevor-Jones accepted there was no evidence Hoy or Murray acquired any grenades but concluded they were involved in trading the “highly dangerous explosive devices which are normally only associated with military use”.
Of the gun charges, the judge said: “Once more it is clear that you, Patrick Murray, and you, Michael Hoy, were arranging to trade in such items at a significant level.”
Referring to their conversations about AK47s and an Uzi, he said: “It states the obvious, perhaps, that they stand as the most dangerous and lethal weapons and can only be destined for use in the criminal community with potentially devastating results.”
While there was no evidence Murray or Hoy planned to use guns, he said they were “clearly planning for others to be able to do so”.
Murray admitted conspiracy to possess explosives and conspiracies to possess, purchase or acquire prohibited firearms and ammunition.
The 25-year-old, of Gloucester Road in Huyton also pleaded guilty to conspiracy to supply around 5kgs of cocaine and 3.75kgs of heroin.
Hoy was found guilty of the same gun and explosive offences as Murray.
The 42-year-old, of Cranford Road in Garston, was also convicted of two counts of conspiracy to supply cocaine and heroin, a separate count of conspiracy to supply cocaine and conspiracy to supply the Class B drugs cannabis, ketamine and amphetamines.
He was linked to dealing around 8kgs of cocaine, 1kg of heroin and at least 40kgs of Class B drugs.
Murray was sentenced to life with a minimum of five-and-a-half years for the explosives and guns charges and a further 11 years and six months for his drug offences, of which he will serve at least half.
This means he will serve at least 11 years and three months in jail before he can be considered for release.
Hoy was sentenced to life with a minimum of six years for the explosive and gun offences plus an additional 14 years for the drugs crimes, of which he will serve at least half.
This means he will serve a minimum of 13 years before he can apply for parole.
A third man was sentenced to 12 years for gun and drugs offences as well breaching a suspended sentence.
After the case, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Drew, of Merseyside Police, said: “These are significant sentences which reflect the extent of the conspiracy that these men were involved in.
“Our work remains ongoing on a daily basis to target the people responsible for serious and organised crime including drug supply and the use of firearms.
“These three men thought they were untouchable but thanks to the work of our officers they were brought to justice and will now spend a considerable amount of time behind bars.
“I can reassure the communities of Merseyside that the force will continue its fight against those involved in serious organised crime to make our communities safer and I would ask people to continue to be our eyes and ears in their local neighbourhoods and let us know who is involved in drugs or criminality so that we can continue to take positive action.”
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