In a concerning case, a young man was sentenced to three years in prison after being caught with a “readily convertible firearm.”
The police identified the offender as Alanzo Walker, who was stopped during a taxi ride shortly after purchasing a top-venting blank firer (TVBF) in Radford.
This case marks a significant first for Nottinghamshire, as authorities confirmed it is indeed the first conviction related to this type of firearm in the county.
The 20-year-old, formerly residing on Coppice Road in Arnold, pleaded guilty not just to the possession of a prohibited weapon, but also faced charges for ammunition possession, intent to supply cocaine, intent to supply cannabis, and involvement in cannabis distribution.
Police Reactions: A Serious Matter
According to the Nottinghamshire Police, Walker was making his way home with the illegally acquired pistol, which was originally bought by someone else, when officers intervened on March 14, 2023. When authorities searched his residence, they discovered ammunition hidden in a tray and even found a sock that contained 30 bullets.
Notably, the law changed in February to ban TVBFs outright after examinations revealed they could be modified into regular handguns, which led to a nationwide amnesty where individuals could surrender these items.
In a troubling turn, Walker was linked to various drug offenses while under bail, prompting a police raid on a property in Calverton in September 2024.
He entered his guilty plea on Wednesday, the day when his trial was set to begin in Nottingham Crown Court, with sentencing occurring on the subsequent Friday.
Detective Inspector Lisa Jones expressed that Walker’s conviction symbolizes a groundbreaking moment for Nottinghamshire Police, emphasizing the thorough investigation that led to this outcome. She commented, “Regardless of his intentions for carrying the pistol that day, his actions were undeniably reckless and wholly unacceptable.”
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