Weapons find leads to long jail term

A 50-YEAR-OLD man charged with a variety of firearms offences last year is beginning a lengthy prison sentence for his crimes.

Graham Moore of Wolfe Road, Sheffield, pleaded guilty to six firearms charges including possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of shotgun cartridges, as well as possession of a class A drug, the day before his trial was due to start in December last year.

He appeared at Sheffield Crown Court and was sentenced to eight-and-a-half years in prison.

The court heard Moore was arrested after he ran from a car in Margate Drive, Sheffield, and threw away a replica firearm.

Owing to his previous conviction for armed robbery in 2002 when he received a 13-year prison sentence. He was charged with additional offences under Section 21 of the Firearms Act 1968, which prohibits possession of firearms or ammunition by anyone previously convicted of crime.

DC Michelle Walton, investigating officer, said: “I am very pleased with the result and I hope it sends out a very clear message that action will be taken against anyone who commits this type of crime.

“Moore will be behind bars for a lengthy period of time, and the recovery of the firearms and ammunition he had in his possession will all be destroyed.”