A new television documentary will provide an inside look at the Merseyside Police investigation that led to the jailing of two young men for serious firearms offences in Wirral. The programme, part of the series "Special Ops: To Catch a Criminal," is scheduled to air this Sunday and will detail the police work that resulted in combined prison sentences of over 20 years.
The episode focuses on the Firearms Investigation Team's efforts to apprehend Obakeng Sithole, 20, and Kai Buckney, 20, following two separate incidents involving firearms in Tranmere and New Ferry earlier this year. Both men were subsequently convicted and sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court.
Key Takeaways
- A new documentary, "Special Ops: To Catch a Criminal," will feature a Merseyside Police firearms investigation in Wirral.
- The episode details the case against Obakeng Sithole and Kai Buckney, who were jailed for a combined total of over 20 years.
- Incidents included shots being fired in New Ferry and a man being seen with a pistol in Tranmere.
- The documentary will air at 7 pm on Sunday, October 12, on television channels U and U&Dave.
The Police Investigation Uncovered
The documentary will showcase the work of Merseyside Police's specialist Firearms Investigation Team (FIT). It follows the trail of evidence that connected Sithole, from Eastham, and Buckney, from New Ferry, to two alarming public incidents that occurred in the spring of 2024.
The police operation was launched in response to reports that created significant concern within the local community. The programme aims to highlight the methods used by detectives to identify, locate, and build a case against the individuals responsible for the gun-related crimes.
Details of the Firearm Incidents
The investigation covered two key events. The first took place on the evening of Tuesday, March 26, at approximately 10:05 pm. Police received reports of shots being fired on New Chester Road in New Ferry, prompting an immediate response from armed officers and a full-scale investigation.
The second incident occurred several weeks later, on Saturday, May 11. At around 5:05 pm, a report was made concerning two men on an electric bike on Holt Road in Tranmere. One of the individuals was reported to be in possession of a firearm, described as looking like a pistol. Following these events, extensive police work led to the arrests and subsequent charges of both Sithole and Buckney in May.
Merseyside Police's Firearms Investigation Team (FIT)
The FIT is a specialist unit within Merseyside Police dedicated to tackling gun crime. The team investigates all firearms discharges, recovers illegal weapons, and targets individuals and groups involved in the use, supply, and storage of firearms. Their work is a key component of the force's strategy to reduce violent crime across the region.
Convictions and Sentencing at Crown Court
The case concluded at Liverpool Crown Court, where both men faced significant custodial sentences for their roles in the offences. The judicial outcome reflected the severity of the crimes and the potential danger posed to the public.
Obakeng Sithole, aged 20, was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He received a sentence of 14 years in prison. In addition, he will serve an extra five years on licence upon his release.
Kai Buckney, also 20, pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. For these offences, he was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
Combined Sentences
The total prison sentences for the two men amount to 21.5 years, not including the additional five-year licence period for Sithole. This underscores the serious view the justice system takes on firearms offences.
Police Response and Community Impact
Following the sentencing, Merseyside Police commented on the successful outcome of the investigation and its impact on community safety in Wirral. The force emphasised its commitment to removing dangerous offenders and illegal firearms from the streets.
Detective Inspector John Mullen from the Firearms Investigation Team provided a statement on the case. He highlighted the callous nature of the offenders and the importance of long jail terms in protecting the public.
“Both Buckney and Sithole are young men willing to use firearms, and did so with a callous disregard for the fear and harm they caused. Both will now serve long jail terms to consider the consequences of their actions.”
DI Mullen also stressed the positive effect of their imprisonment on the local area. He stated, “Their removal from the communities will undoubtedly make Wirral a safer place to be, and serves as a stark reminder to those who would look to bring guns onto the streets. We will relentlessly target those who do so, and do everything in our power to put them before the courts.”
Decline in Regional Gun Crime
In his statement, DI Mullen also pointed to a broader trend of decreasing gun crime across the region. He credited the cooperation of local communities as a vital factor in this success.
“Gun crime has decreased significantly in recent years across Merseyside, and this is in no small part down to information provided by those communities affected,” he added. This highlights the crucial role the public plays in helping police tackle serious and organised crime.
How to Watch the Documentary
The episode of "Special Ops: To Catch a Criminal" that features the Wirral investigation will be broadcast for viewers this weekend. It offers a unique opportunity to see the complex work involved in bringing firearms offenders to justice.
- Programme: Special Ops: To Catch a Criminal
- Date: Sunday, October 12
- Time: 7:00 pm
- Channels: U and U&Dave
The documentary is expected to provide valuable insight into the challenges and successes of modern policing in the fight against gun crime.