Boxing coach Brian McIntyre, also known as “BoMac,” has been released from custody after spending approximately a month in a Manchester jail in the United Kingdom. He was arrested on September 3rd at Manchester Airport after his suitcase was found to contain a firearm. He was subsequently jailed in an undisclosed institution until his case was heard by Manchester’s judicial court on October 9th.
The court hearing resulted in Brian McIntyre being released from jail. The presiding judge, Judge Nicholas Dean, sentenced him to 20 months in jail. However, this sentence has been suspended for two years, meaning that he will not go to jail as long as he does not commit further offenses during this period and complies with any conditions set with the suspension.
The court proceedings revealed that McIntyre was unaware of the presence of his Smith & Wesson firearm, as well as its accompanying ammunition, as he went through airport security. He was subsequently detained after the discovery of his firearm.
Prior to his sentencing, McIntyre admitted in court to the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Although he did have a license to carry a firearm in the United States, McIntyre claimed to be unaware of the gun and ammunition in his suitcase, as was revealed during the court proceedings. He was initially sentenced to jail until October 9th when his case would be heard.
McIntyre, 53, is known as one of the United States’ most prominent boxing coaches, especially following his fighter Terence Crawford’s victory over Errol Spence Jr. on July 29th, which made Crawford the undisputed champion in the welterweight division. He had come to the United Kingdom to oversee his fighter Chris Eubank Jr.’s successful stoppage win over Liam Smith. He was close to departing back to his home country the day after his fighter’s match before the firearm issue occurred.
Crawford was among a group of witnesses present at the court hearing who pleaded for Brian McIntyre’s release. Crawford and the other witnesses seemed to have significantly contributed to Brian McIntyre’s release by highlighting the community work he had done. This seemingly convinced Judge Dean to impose the suspension on Brian McIntyre.
This suspension appears to apply only in the United Kingdom, allowing Brian McIntyre to move freely around the country as long as he commits no further offenses. McIntyre is not expected to face any judicial consequences in the United States if he returns, as his unlawful firearm infraction applies only to the United Kingdom.
McIntyre’s release will be good news for him, his family, his coaching staff, and his fighters. It may also be positive for boxing overall, given his success as one of the United States’ top coaches, especially with his fighters’ achievements this year.
