Dangerous gangster given more time in jail
A DANGEROUS Salford gangster who was jailed for two decades over a series of shootings has earned himself an extra two months in jail because he wasted top judges’ time with a hopeless appeal to cut his sentence.
Marc Jason Murray was involved in a vicious feud with rival drugs clans, fuelled by ‘bravado, status and revenge,’ a court heard. The 33-yearold was locked up for a minimum 20 years at Manchester Crown Court on October 10, last year.
He was convicted after a trial of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life.
Branded a ‘danger to the public,’ Murray was ordered to serve an extra five years on licence after his release.
London’s Appeal Court heard this week how a gun was used in three separate shootings in Manchester over a six-day period in October 2015. The gang-related shootings, which included two drive-bys, caused serious injury to one person and injury to another.
Murray had a previous conviction for possession of a firearm and ammunition in 2012, it was said.
He argued that the Crown Court judge was wrong to find he was dangerous and impose the extended sentence. But Mrs Justice Nicola Davies said the trial judge observed Murray in the witness box and dock and ‘the lack of respect’ he had shown to the court.
His latest crime had taken place only months after being released on licence for previous offences.
He had ‘ready access to guns and ammunition’ and acted as a ‘quartermaster and supplier’ in the plot, said the judge. There was a ‘sound basis’ for the finding of dangerousness and the extended sentenced was justified.
“Accordingly this renewed application for permission to appeal is refused,” added the judge.
As his appeal was so hopeless, Mrs Justice Davies added 56 days onto the jail time Murray will serve as a punishment for wasting court time.