Brian McIntyre, who oversaw Chris Eubank Jr's stoppage win over Liam Smith at Manchester Arena last month, was arrested at Manchester Airport after security officials allegedly found a gun in a suitcase; He has now been given a 20-month suspended sentence
Tuesday 10 October 2023 08:27, UK
Chris Eubank Junior's trainer Brian McIntyre has been handed a 20-month suspended prison sentence for gun possession.
McIntyre was arrested at Manchester Airport last month after security officials allegedly found a gun in a suitcase when he was checking in to fly to Atlanta following Eubank Jr's successful victory over Liam Smith in their rematch on September 3.
UK Border Force intercepted the baggage after a scan allegedly showed a weapon, along with a magazine and ammunition contained within it.
The trainer, who also works with undisputed welterweight world champion Terence Crawford, had a licence to carry the weapon in the United States and at no point was aware it was in his luggage until it was detected at the airport.
After hearing about McIntyre's work in the community in Omaha, and listening to a number of character witnesses, including Crawford, Judge Nicholas Dean KC, the Honorary Recorder of Manchester, imposed a 20-month jail term, suspended for two years.
McIntyre admitted unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Judge Dean said McIntyre was a "thoroughly good man" and said the "exceptional circumstances" of the case had merited a departure from the usual five-year minimum jail term.
He said: "This is manifestly and obviously a case where it is appropriate to suspend the sentence."
David Toal, prosecuting, said the gun and ammunition were discovered after it passed through scanners at the airport's Terminal 2 at just before 9.45am.
Bodyworn footage from a Border Force officer was played to the court, in which McIntyre says: "I swear to God man, I didn't know that gun was in the bag."
McIntyre was arrested and later told police it was an "honest mistake and I deeply regret this".
In his basis of plea, accepted by the Crown Prosecution Service, the defendant said the gun and ammunition never left his suitcase while he was in the UK.
He had packed the firearm when travelling to Crawford's training camp ahead of his world title bout with Errol Spence in Las Vegas in late July.
When in Las Vegas he agreed to train Eubank Jr and subsequently flew out to Atalanta and then arrived in Manchester on August 19, the court was told.
His time in Manchester was "extremely busy", the court heard, as he stayed in two hotels and an Airbnb.
The seasoned traveller was said to be "horrified" when the discovery was made at the airport.
