The Chronicle

Arsonist back in jail for firearms

- By ROB KENNEDY rob.kennedy@ncjmedia.co.uk

Court Reporter STORING a pistol and bullets at his home has landed a convicted arsonist back behind bars.

Daniel Tindle had been released on licence for the fire-starting offence when he was caught with the gun and ammunition in a plastic bag.

A court heard police also found a meat cleaver under the passenger seat of his car during a search at his home in Washington in May.

Now Tindle, who admitted possessing a firearm and six 9mm bullets without certificat­es, has been locked up for two years and eight months at Newcastle Crown Court.

He pleaded guilty on the basis he had been looking after them for someone else for a limited time and had not used or adapted them.

Judge Sarah Mallett, who said the firearm was a “serious” weapon, told Tindle: “There is a clear public need to discourage unlawful possession of firearms, even in the circumstan­ces put forward in your basis of plea.

“There is justifiabl­e public concern caused by firearms like this.”

The judge, who acknowledg­ed a positive reference from his employer, added: “You have family support and a stable relationsh­ip.

“Perhaps because of the contacts you have from the time you spent in custody you also have fallen back into involvemen­t with serious offending.”

The court heard the firearm was capable of dischargin­g live ammunition and gas rounds.

Tindle, of Coach Road Estate, Usworth, Washington, also admitted possessing an offensive weapon in relation to the meat cleaver.

The 33-year-old has previous conviction­s for drugs offences and was out on licence from a 40 month prison term for arson at the time.

Tindle initially claimed he had “found” the gun and bullets but later admitted the charges on the basis he had been looking after them. Gavin Doig, defending, said Tindle had been working hard after being released from jail.

 ??  ??
 ??  ?? Daniel Tindle
Daniel Tindle

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from United Kingdom