KEEPING a large haul of illegal firearms in storage containers resulted in a St Leonards and St Ives man being jailed for more than five years.
A Smith & Weston 44 Magnum revolver, two Glock pistols and a Beretta Tomcat-32 pistol were among the weapons Adam Harris was found to have in his possession.
Having been arrested in Cumbria on Sunday 10th January 2021 by police acting on information received, the 54-year-old was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court yesterday (Monday).
Adam Harris was jailed for five years and three months for keeping a stash of illegal firearms in containers
He had pleaded guilty to multiple charges of possessing firearms without a licence.
The court heard officers carried out a thorough search of storage containers controlled by Harris on land at Throop Mill in Bournemouth under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.
They seized several firearms including a Smith & Weston 44 Magnum revolver, two Glock pistols and a Beretta Tomcat-32 pistol.
A total of six rifles were assembled from disassembled parts, including a Winchester Savage bolt-action rifle, a Remington Ruger semi-automatic rifle, a Ruger Long semi-automatic rifle and a Nagant bolt-action rifle.
A crossbow, a Cobra stun-gun, further disassembled gun parts and multiple rounds of ammunition were also found.
Forensic examination of the items led to Harris being charged.
The seized weapons and ammunition were set to be forfeited after Harris was sent down for five years and three months.
Harris was sentenced at Bournemouth Crown Court
Welcoming the sentencing, DC Steven Davis, of BCP CID, said: “We take all incidents involving firearms and prohibited weapons extremely seriously in our continued efforts to keep the people of Dorset safe.
“Thanks to partnership working with Cumbria Police and the detailed investigation conducted by our officers, we were able to arrest and charge Harris as well as find and confiscate a large haul of highly dangerous firearms, weapons and ammunition.”
DC Davis added: “I would urge anyone with information about individuals who are believed to be in possession of prohibited weapons to please do the right thing and report it to us so we can take robust action against those involved and keep the public safe.”