A man was found to have stored a Skorpion sub-machine gun, ammunition and a hand grenade in a home following a police raid.
Officers from Merseyside Police raided a home on Netherby Street in Dingle on Monday September 19 last year. Once inside, officers found a firearm, ammunition and a hand grenade inside the address.
On the night of the raid there was a large police presence in the road as Royal Army Ordnance Corps arrived at the scene and a number or neighbouring homes were evacuated. Ross Smith, 44 years, of no fixed address but originally from North Wales, was charged with possession of an explosive substance for an unlawful purpose, possession of a prohibited weapon, and possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate.
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Smith appeared at Liverpool Crown Court on Thursday, September 28, where he was sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison.
Following the sentencing Detective Chief Inspector Paul McVeigh of the Firearms Investigation Team said: “Following a raid at the property on Netherby Street we seized a significant haul of dangerous weapons including a Skorpion sub-machine gun together with five fully loaded magazines, a hand grenade and various other rounds of loose ammunition. This region has all too recently seen the devastation that these types of weapons can cause.
"Thankfully, this firearm is now off the streets and Ross Smith will spend a significant period of time in custody.”
Detective Chief Inspector McVeigh added: “We are committed to removing guns, knives and all dangerous weapons from our streets and putting the people who carry them before the courts. We have also carried out regular stop searches, warrants and open land searches to locate weapons and ensure those who store, carry and use them are brought to justice.
“It is vital that members of our communities come forward with information so we can make our communities safer for the decent, law-abiding people who live in areas affected by gun crime. If you have any information about anyone carrying or using a dangerous weapon in your area please don’t hesitate to contact us.
"If you have got any information about the use or storage of weapons please DM @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
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