THREE men are starting combined sentences of more than 40 years in prison after a shooting incident.

Karol Ruszczyk, 39, of Mill Royd Mills, Brighouse admitted possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, three charges of possession of a firearm, possession of ammunition and three charges of possession with intent to supply class a and class B drugs. He was sentenced to 21 years.

Patryk Szwarc, 32, of Crawthorne Crescent, Huddersfield admitted possession of firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a firearm and possession of a class B drug (cannabis). He was sentenced to 12 years and four months.

Marcin Tomaszewski, 42, of Keighley Road, Keighley admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of class a drugs and possession of cannabis. He was sentenced to seven years.

The three men were sentenced yesterday at Leeds Crown Court for an incident involving a firearms discharge on Alder Street, Huddersfield.

No one was injured during the incident, which happened on Sunday, May 5, and officers immediately launched a detailed investigation into what happened.

High visibility patrols by uniformed officers were also carried out to help reassure residents.

And as a result of the investigation officers also recovered four firearms, approximately 100 rounds of ammunition and drugs worth almost £100,000.

The Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Sharron Kaye (Protective Services, Crime), welcomed the sentencing.

“The firearms discharge was a serious offence which caused understandable concern in the local community.

“We will not tolerate this type of offending and a painstaking investigation has ensured justice has been done.

“The investigation not only resulted in the three men responsible for it being brought to justice but the recovery of guns, ammunition and drugs.

“These guns and ammunition can now never be used to bring harm to the communities of West Yorkshire or beyond.”

Chief Superintendent Julie Sykes, District Commander of Kirklees Police, said: “I fully appreciate public concern regarding firearms crime. None of us would want to live in an area knowing that a thug had fired a gun in the street, and communities should absolutely not have to stand for it.

“We are seizing weapons and putting those responsible for firearms offences behind bars as this case illustrates, and I am urging our residents to keep coming forward to help us do this."