Man jailed for firearms offences
13 September 2012
A man who kept a loaded firearm on his living room shelf has been jailed for five years.
Ben Ashley, 23, Edmonton was sentenced on 12 September at Wood Green Crown Court for possession of a prohibited firearm - contrary to Sec 5(1) (aba) of the Firearms Act 1987 and other offences.
“This significant sentence was the result of a successful operation."
Ashley was arrested on 20 August at his homes address following an intelligence-led operation by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service Central Task Force.
A firearm, containing nine rounds of ammunition, was found on a shelf in the living room. A further two rounds were discovered wrapped in black plastic on a shelving unit.
A quantity of cannabis, self-seal bags and scales were found in the kitchen. Passports linked to a burglary that had recently been committed in the local area were also discovered.
Ashley was arrested and subsequently charged with a number of offences.
On 29 August he pleaded guilty to his offences and was sentenced as follows:
= Possession of a firearm without a certificate: sentenced to five years
= Possession of ammunition for a firearm without a certificate: sentenced to five years
= Receiving stolen goods (passport): sentenced to six months
= Possession with intent to supply a controlled drug: no separate penalty.
All sentences are to run concurrent.
Detective Inspector Rob Murray, Central Task Force, said: “This significant sentence was the result of a successful operation by the Central Task Force and highlights our commitment to combating this type of serious criminality which blights communities.”
- Jailed: Ben Ashley
- Seized: Image of the loaded firearm