A DRUG addict has been jailed for four years for possessing guns and ammunition.Gavin Friston pleaded guilty to possessing two handguns and live ammunition in Undercliffe Road West, Felixstowe.
A DRUG addict has been jailed for four years for possessing guns and ammunition.
Gavin Friston pleaded guilty to possessing two handguns and live ammunition in Undercliffe Road West, Felixstowe.
His former girlfriend Samantha Nicholls admitted briefly possessing the guns when she transported them in a carrier bag from their caravan to Friston's brother's flat.
Godfried Duah, prosecuting at Ipswich Crown Court, said the pair, who had served previous prison terms for possessing fire arms and had been banned from having these weapons, were seen with guns at Friston's brother Craig's flat in Undercliffe Road West.
Police searched the flat and found two identical black semi automatic type illegal air guns which a police armourer described as being “capable of causing a lethal injury”. Ammunition was also found.
Police then searched the caravan and found the box for one of the guns which was full of holes and had been used for target practice.
The court heard that on a previous occasion Friston had been involved in an armed robbery and while being pursued during a police car chase he threw the robber's gun out of the car.
On another occasion he was found in possession of four live cartridges and a razor blade.
John Farmer, mitigating for Friston, said the 35-year-old who lives in Undercliffe Road West, had led a life blighted by drugs.
He said: “Like so many today his life lies in a matrix of involvement in drugs. He needs very firm moving away from the sub culture in which he exists.”
Hugh Vass for Nicholls said the 36-year-old mother of eight had initially lied to police by saying the guns were hers to protect her boyfriend.
He said she had now ended their relationship, was taking methadone to free herself of heroin and was living with her mother in St Michael's Close, Kesgrave.
Judge John Holt said to Friston: “I do not know why you had those guns and cartridges but I do know you had them for criminal purposes and I reject any excuses to the contrary.”
He jailed him for a total of four years.
Nicholls was told to do 200 hours unpaid work, 12 months probation supervision and to attend a substance abuse programme.
She was warned that any breach of the orders would result in prison.
Judge Holt said: “I'm giving you this chance and hope you make a success of it.”
n. Has your life been affected by drugs? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk
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