Father and sons jailed after shots fired in land row
THREE men have been jailed after a shooting in Widnes relating to a land dispute between two families. Reuben Price Snr, 49, Reuben Price Jnr, 27, and James Price, 24, were involved in a disturbance on Factory Lane on August 3, 2020, during which a firearm was discharged.
The incident was connected to a land dispute with another family who had decided to undertake building work that the Price family objected to.
The Prices went to the neighbouring family’s land at about 12.30pm that day to warn them not to undertake any further work on the site.
During the incident, the victims were subjected to threats and intimidation by the Price family and a number of shots were fired. Witnesses at the scene reported hearing at least five or six shots and, while there were no reports of any injuries, some of those present reported that they were shot at.
A wagon driver who was delivering fencing to the site told police how his vehicle was deliberately rammed by a yellow tipper being driven by one of the mob.
Other people present also reported that they were deliberately rammed into by the tipper.
While searching the scene of the incident, officers discovered a number of ammunition casings.
During a subsequent search of the land belonging to the Price family, police uncovered a number of burned mobile phones and more ammunition.
A long-barrelled gun was also seized from an address associated with Reuben Price Snr in Newton Le Willows.
As a result of the investigation Reuben Price Snr, Reuben Price Jnr and James Price were all arrested and charged with violent disorder in connection with the incident.
They pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court on December 6 and last Tuesday (March 4) they were jailed for a total of seven years and 10 months.
Price Snr, of Regent Street, Newton le Willows, was jailed for three years; Price Jnr, of Southworth Road, Newton le Willows, was sentenced to two years and five months, and James Price, of Bagueley Avenue was also jailed for two years and five months.
Detective Sergeant Pierre, of Widnes Local Policing Unit said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the local community for all the help and support that they have provided throughout this investigation, without their assistance today’s result would not have been possible.
“It is clear that the Price family believed that they were above the law, they decided to take matters into their own hands and went round mobhanded to their neighbours with the intent of causing fear and harm. It was only pure luck that nobody was killed or seriously injured.
“Through what has been an extremely complex investigation, the team of detectives here at Widnes have been able to gather a catalogue of evidence against the Price family, and the trio were left with no option but to plead guilty to the charges against them.
“I hope that the conclusion of this case and the sentences handed to the Price family will provide reassurance to both the victims and the local community.”