Man in court over shooting and gun thefts in farm raid
AMAN has appeared in court after a farmer was shot in the knee and ankle during a burglary at a farm house in Aughton.
Alan Daniels, 37, denied being responsible for the raid at the farm in Back Lane when he appeared by videolink at Preston Crown Court on Wednesday, November 6.
Armed police were called to the farm at 9.40pm on July 28 following reports that a 65-yearold man had been seriously injured.
He was taken to hospital where his injuries were found to be “life changing”.
Four shotguns, jewellery, watches and cash had been stolen from the property.
Following investigations by Lancashire police, Daniels was arrested and charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, aggravated burglary, possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, possession of a firearm with intent to commit aggravated burglary, and possession of a firearm, being a person prohibited to do so.
Daniels, of Oaklee Grove, Liverpool, pleaded not guilty to all five counts and a trial date was set for February 24 next year.
Four other people, including a 30-year-old man and a 37-year-old woman from Liverpool, and a 38-year-old man from Kirkby, have been arrested in connection with the raid and have been released under investigation.
Det Insp Jason Richardson of Lancashire Police says the investigation remains active despite Daniels being charged.
He said: “This was an extremely serious and particularly violent incident involving the threat and use of firearms against a 65-year-old man and a 63-year-old woman.
“Understandably, both occupiers have been left traumatised by their ordeal and are being supported by specially trained officers.
“I would wish to renew our appeal for anybody who feels they may have any information whatsoever about these offences to come forward.
“Your information could be vital in assisting us to bring the remaining individuals responsible for this offence to justice.”