Chris Eubank Jr.’s trainer Brian ‘BoMac’ McIntyre has been spared prison after he pleaded guilty to firearms offences.
The outcome was decided after a long hearing at which the unbeaten welterweight world champion Terence Crawford gave evidence in support of McIntyre.
The judge accepted mitigating circumstances and handed down a sentence of 12 months, suspended for two years.
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McIntyre was arrested by Greater Manchester Police at Manchester Airport as he was set to board a flight to Atlanta, he was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm without a certificate.
McIntyre was found with a loaded weapon at the airport just hours after he had helped Eubank Jr. to a dominant win against Liam Smith at Manchester Arena.
The 53-year-old was found with the gun, bullets, and a magazine in his baggage as he attempted to board the flight last month.
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The baggage set off the scanner as it had been checked in for the flight, leading to the cornerman being arrested and subsequently held in custody until his appearance in court.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said at the time: “At around 10:45 am on Sunday 3 September 2023, officers were called to reports of a possible firearm being found in hold luggage by airport staff at Manchester Airport.
“After initial inspection by security staff, GMP officers attended, and the firearm was seized.
“Subsequently, a 53-year-old man was arrested for possession of a firearm and was taken to custody for further questioning.
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“Brian McIntyre (01/07/1970) from the United States of America was charged with possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
“McIntyre attended Stockport Magistrates court this morning where he was further remanded into custody.
“He is next due to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Monday 9 October 2023.”
Eubank was avenging a loss after losing to the Liverpool-born fighter at the beginning of the year.
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After the fight, the British boxer addressed his trainer’s problems, telling The MMA Hour: "I can't talk too much on it because there's a lot of legal stuff going on right now.
“I still don't even know how it happened, why it happened, it's a crazy, crazy situation.
“We're just going to pray that you can get him out of there and get him back to where he's supposed to be."
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"He's a great trainer and he has a great team around him. I've never had a team before, I know that sounds insane but it is the truth, I've trained myself for many, many years and when I did have trainers it was just one guy.
“I trained with Roy Jones for a few years, he was supposed to train me for this fight but he couldn't do it."
Tom Wood