Statement from family of David Garrity

Today, Stephen Coulter, Lee Coulter, Jason Sunderland and Wesley Porter have been sentenced to a total of 123 years for the murder of David Garrity.

Following the sentencing, David's mum, Eileen Garrity, said: "David was a major part of our close-knit family. His murder came just four months after the loss of his father, and was therefore a double blow to the family.

"He was a loving father to Megan and partner to Clare, and will be greatly missed by the whole family.

"The family would like to thank the prosecution team of Mr Edis, Mr Riding, and the Crown Prosecution Service for their work on the case.

"We would also like to thank the Major Incident Team for their valued support and work throughout the investigation and lengthy trial.

"The length of the trial has been a massive drain on the family and we are sure that it has also been for the jury members. We thank them for their time and commitment.

"A special thanks is sent to a key witness for her courage and the sacrifices she has made to attend court and give her evidence in this case.

"There were other incidents linked to the murder that had gone unreported to the police. We believe that this was due to a fear of reprisals from those involved. We hope that the public will recognise the support that this key witness has been given to allow her to give her evidence. We hope that this will encourage them to come forward and assist in cases such as this and other violent crimes.

"Whilst the sentences handed out for David's murder will not bring him back. We hope that it may act as a deterrent to others willing to engage in such acts of violence using firearms."

The sentencing of the four defendants was as follows:

• Stephen Coulter, 32 years
• Lee Coulter, 32 years
• Jason Sunderland, 32 years
• Wesley Porter, 27 years

Other Local News from Liverpool

• St Helens 38-10 Salford City Reds
• Man cleared of strangling murder
• Murder suspect found dead in cell
• Tranmere v Preston
• Huddersfield v Widnes (Sun)
• View All Latest News in Liverpool