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Gangsters guilty of wake murder Gangsters guilty of wake murder
(10 minutes later)
The leaders of a gang responsible for murder and violence on Manchester's streets have been convicted of murder. The leaders of a gang said to be responsible for a huge increase in violence on the streets of Manchester have been found guilty of murder.
Colin Joyce, 29, and Lee Amos, 32, were both found guilty of the murder of a mourner at the funeral of a man Joyce had "executed" months earlier. Colin Joyce, 29, and Lee Amos, 32, were convicted of murdering a mourner at the funeral of a man Joyce had "executed".
Tyrone Gilbert, 23, was shot dead six weeks after his friend Ucal Chin was gunned down in Longsight, Manchester.Tyrone Gilbert, 23, was shot dead six weeks after his friend Ucal Chin was gunned down in Longsight, Manchester.
Eleven men were on trial at Liverpool Crown Court for a catalogue of gang-related crimes, including murder.Eleven men were on trial at Liverpool Crown Court for a catalogue of gang-related crimes, including murder.
Joyce led the Gooch Gang in dealing drugs, torturing street dealers who crossed them and targeting rivals, culminating in the murders of Mr Chin, 24, and Mr Gilbert, 23.Joyce led the Gooch Gang in dealing drugs, torturing street dealers who crossed them and targeting rivals, culminating in the murders of Mr Chin, 24, and Mr Gilbert, 23.
Crime soars Crime reduced
The court heard gang warfare erupted in the city in 2007 after the pair were released on licence for firearms offences, but they were recalled to prison for breaking their licences towards the end of that year. The court heard gang warfare erupted in the city in 2007 after Joyce and Amos were released on licence for firearms offences.
They were recalled to prison for breaking their licences towards the end of that year, which police said coincided with a dramatic reduction in violent crime in the city.
Since then there has been a 92% reduction in gang-related shootings in the city and no gang-related murder for 12 months, according to Greater Manchester Police.Since then there has been a 92% reduction in gang-related shootings in the city and no gang-related murder for 12 months, according to Greater Manchester Police.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith travelled to Manchester to herald the success last year, but the event was cancelled at the last minute over fears it could prejudice the trial.Home Secretary Jacqui Smith travelled to Manchester to herald the success last year, but the event was cancelled at the last minute over fears it could prejudice the trial.
The eleven gangsters on trial were all members of either Gooch or the Old Trafford Cripz, a gang affiliated to them.The eleven gangsters on trial were all members of either Gooch or the Old Trafford Cripz, a gang affiliated to them.
Both murder victims had links to Longsight Crew, rivals of Moss Side-based Gooch Gang, Liverpool Crown Court heard.Both murder victims had links to Longsight Crew, rivals of Moss Side-based Gooch Gang, Liverpool Crown Court heard.
Joyce and Amos were found guilty of murder alongside senior gang members Aaron Campbell, 25, Narada Williams, 27, and his brother, Ricardo Williams, 26.Joyce and Amos were found guilty of murder alongside senior gang members Aaron Campbell, 25, Narada Williams, 27, and his brother, Ricardo Williams, 26.
Six other men were convicted of a range of gang-related offences including gun possession and drug dealing.Six other men were convicted of a range of gang-related offences including gun possession and drug dealing.
The men will be sentenced by judge Brian Langstaff later.The men will be sentenced by judge Brian Langstaff later.