Brothers who targeted Linthorpe property by attempting to discharge firearm now behind bars

Brandon and Ellis Younger, aged 21 and 24, both disguised themselves in balaclavas while travelling on a motorbike to Dresser Lane armed with a firearm.

The court was shown footage of the pair pulling onto the driveway.

One brother is seen walking up to the property and attempting to discharge the weapon. However, it failed, and he quickly got on to the back of the motorbike and the pair drove away.

Around 30 seconds later, the motorbike comes back on to Dresser Lane and parks near the property. Another attempt is made to shoot at the house while at the same time, the other brother remains on the motorbike telling his sibling to ‘smash’ the windows.

When it fails, he then gets back on the motorbike, and they ride away at speed from the area.

The shooting took place shortly before midnight on Monday 17 April 2023. The house was occupied at the time of the shooting, however there were no injuries reported.

The investigation involved the analysis of a mobile phone that pinpointed Brandon and Ellis in the vicinity of Dresser Lane one hour prior to the attack.

In a text message after the shooting had taken place, Ellis says to Brandon ‘mad ting that wasn’t it G’.

In another attack on Wednesday 19 April, the brothers gave instructs to Jordan Wheater, of South Terrace in Southbank, to throw paint over the door of the same property on Dresser Lane.

The 27-year-old used his mobile phone to book a taxi to take him to the property in the early hours of the morning. CCTV footage shows him getting out of the vehicle, walking towards the property with a tin of paint and committing criminal damage.

A few months later on Thursday 7 September 2023, police received information that there were firearms underneath a caravan at a property on Berwick Hills Avenue in Middlesbrough that was linked to Wheater. Officers located and seized a pistol, slam gun and live shotgun ammunition.

Following forensic enquiries, Wheater’s DNA was found on the weapons. Wheater attended Teesside Crown Court on Wednesday 21 February and was sentenced to five years and four months for possession of a firearm and being a prohibited person. He received a fine in relation to the criminal damage of paint to the property.

On 20 April 2023 the brothers were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm and cause damage.

They were questioned, released on bail before being subsequently charged on Thursday 12 October 2023.

Brandon pleaded guilty to the offences and Ellis was found guilty by a jury following a trial.

On Monday 30 September both brothers appeared at Teesside Crown Court to be sentenced.

A judge sentenced Brandon of Ordsall Green in Middlesbrough, to six years and nine months and Ellis, of Etisley Green in Middlesbrough, to seven years and nine months.

Detective Inspector Matt Hollingsworth, from Cleveland Police’s Homicide Major Enquiry Team, said: “A firearm is one of the most dangerous weapons that can be used by an individual. It is often linked to people who are associated with organised crime and either used to threaten, intimidate, or cause serious harm or violence.

“Thankfully on this occasion nobody was hurt, however there could have been a serious injury therefore the actions of the Younger brothers should not be underestimated.

“The investigation was comprehensive and thorough to identify the two men on the motorbike, and gather evidential material from mobile phone data, CCTV and doorbell footage linking them to the shooting.

“I hope the jail term served to the brothers is seen as an eye opener to those who are intent on having access to and using a firearm illegally. You will be caught and have to face the consequences of your actions behind bars.”

If you have information relating to a firearm or ammunition, please contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.