Shrewsbury man gets six years for making guns

A 34-year-old man who made guns and weapons as a 'hobby' has been jailed for six years after admitting to a string of firearm offences.

Philip Jones manufactured the weapons and ammunition at his home in Mount Street, Frankwell, Shrewsbury, and then drove to the Shropshire Hills, near Church Stretton, to test them out.

Jones appeared at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday facing six firearm offences, including being in possession of explosives and ammunition, manufacturing a prohibited weapon and attempting to convert an imitation of a firearm into a real one.

He admitted all the charges.

The court heard a search of Jones' home by police earlier this year uncovered a pistol, a handgun, a sub-machine gun, two rounds of ammunition and an improvised explosive device, which he created.

The search was sparked after the UK Border Agency intercepted a package addressed to Jones which contained three magazines of ammunition.

Judge Robin Onions said: "You are not a man of good character.

"You knew exactly what you were doing, and what you were doing was seriously wrong.

"This was not isolated curiosity. You manufactured guns and used them."

Mr Andrew Barkley, prosecuting, said: "In interview he told police he had been in the Army cadets and was interested in weapons and how they are made.

"He said he had a family history of being in the gunsmith trade and had experience of welding and engineering."

Mr Michael Sherwood-Smith, for Jones, said his client had previously failed in his application for a firearms licence.

He said: "He was clearly aware a licence was required.

"He hadn't got a clue what a serious position he had got himself into.

"He attempted to join the armed forces in the mid-90s but due to domestic problems it prevented him from completing his application."

He added Jones kept the items in a locked cabinet, which he claims showed he had some insight into what was required to be able to keep them.

Mr Sherwood-Smith told the court that Jones was a 'loner' who had a good work ethic and was also well thought of.