Jailed for possessing converted handguns

‘Substantial’ sentences handed out after discovery of weapons and ammunition

‘Substantial’ jail sentences have been handed to three men following the discovery of a haul of converted handguns in Datchet and Windsor, writes David Lee.

Officers from the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) carried out warrants in Ash Lane, Windsor, and Talbot Place, Datchet, on October 11.

Inside the properties, officers recovered 77 illegal handguns which had been converted from blank firearms into viable weapons.

A large amount of live and blank ammunition was also discovered alongside parts of firearms such as slides, magazines, pistol receivers and cleaning kits.

Within Talbot Place, officers also found tools that are believed to have been used to convert the weapons.

A sentencing took place at Reading Crown Court on Friday, March 1 where the following people were jailed:

■ Damon Denham, 36, of Common Road, Langley, was jailed for 13 years and one month after pleading guilty to conspiracy to sell/transfer banned weapons and ammunition

■ Daniel Boyd, 42, of Talbot Place, Datchet, was jailed for eight years and three months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to sell/transfer banned weapons and ammunition and possession of an offensive weapon

■ Chad Blackwell, 34, of Hensworth Road, Ashford, Surrey, was jailed for 11 years and three months after pleading guilty to conspiracy to sell/transfer banned weapons and ammunition

Detective Inspector Clair Trueman, of SEROCU, said: “As a result of this operation, we have undoubtedly prevented a large number of illegal firearms from entering our communities and causing untold harm.

“This was a sophisticated operation with a significant degree of planning and preparation. The group had packaged many of the weapons in plastic wrapping including a cleaning kit, illustrating the professional look they were trying to achieve.

“Additionally, the impact of their actions has had a nationwide reach with firearms that can be linked to the group being recovered in other force areas around the country.

“This investigation demonstrates that SEROCU is relentless in its pursuit of organised crime groups and works tirelessly to bring offenders to justice.

“Consequently, Denham. Blackwell and Boyd will now spend a substantial amount of time in prison.”

Anyone with information about illegal firearms or any other criminality in your community should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.