Two men locked up for firearms offences in Oldham

Two thugs have been sentenced to 14 years and five months in prison following a shooting in Oldham in November last year.

Daniel Eastmond (41), of Lime Green Road, Oldham was sentenced to 14 years and five months for possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life after pleading guilty at Bolton Crown Court today (Tuesday). 

Anton Grant (37), of no fixed abode was sentenced to 14 years and five months after being found guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life. 

The court heard how on Friday, November 15, 2024, at around 9.50pm, CCTV captured two men on a Surron bike on Crompton Street when three-gun shots were fired at them by Grant. 

The Surron was seen riding up Crompton Street and turned right onto Cunningham Way where one of the passengers dismounted to see if any of the discharge rounds hit the bike.  

Moments later, Eastmond got into the driver’s side of a Blue Audi RSQ3 and Grant got into the front passenger side, with the latter appearing to put something in his left pocket. 

After inspecting the Surron, the two passengers got back on the bike and headed back towards Crompton Street. 

Meanwhile, the Audi which was being driven by Eastmond headed in the direction of the Surron and as they met, the car strayed deliberately into the direction of the bike. 

It is at this point that approximately 15-18 gun shots were heard, as the two groups of men exchanged rounds in the middle of the street. 

From there, both groups dispersed the area with the Surron continuing down Crompton Street and the Audi then turned right onto Sunfield Road. 

The Audi was driven back to Craven Street and CCTV footage showed the windscreen of the vehicle with apparent bullet holes to the front windscreen. 

The two suspects on the Surron bike have not been identified at this time. 

Detective Inspector Rick Castley from the Serious Organised Crime Group said: “This sentence sees two more dangerous criminals placed behind bars. The reckless exchange of gunfire between two groups on Crompton Street that Friday evening, could easily have resulted in tragic consequences for families and residents going about their everyday lives. 

“We reviewed numerous hours of CCTV footage along with evidence we found at the scene, which included bullets found in damaged cars that were caught up in the crossfire that evening. 

“The quality of the evidence against Eastmond and Grant was overwhelming, including the footage showing the latter of the two suspects, handling what appears to be a firearm immediately after the incident. 

“Our work in Oldham and the rest of Greater Manchester in relation to firearms incidents has gone from strength to strength. Firearms have no place on our streets, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to target those involved in gun crime. 

“I hope these convictions provide some reassurance to residents that we take such incidents extremely seriously and will pursue offenders relentlessly”.