Holly Nelson, led by Andrew Ford KC of 7 Harrington Street, prosecuted the man who received a sentence of 26 years, comprised of 21 years’ imprisonment and an extended licence period of 5 years, after pleading guilty earlier this year.
Holly was instructed in 2021 whilst the defendant remained in the Netherlands, when he was extradited, he was eventually charged with conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life, conspiracy to cause grievous bodily harm, and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
The defendant, Nathan Vanden, was the head of an organised crime group in North Manchester responsible for a number of violent shootings, and attacks on premises.
The organisation of the attacks occurred primarily through the formerly secure EncroChat messaging service, until it was compromised in Summer 2020.
Holly was instructed by the Complex Case Unit within the Crown Prosecution Service.