Men jailed after replica guns 'workshop' uncovered - including Manchester man

16.02.2022 - 16:49 / manchestereveningnews.co.uk

Three men who used a gun 'workshop' to turn replica firearms into dangerous weapons have been jailed for a combined total of more than 26 years.

Police discovered the gang's workshop when they raided an address in Huddersfield after learning that two imitation firearms had been imported from Eastern Europe.

In the kitchen of the property in Ashenhurst Avenue - home to Thomas Robinson - they found an industrial drill and other tools alongside the converted imitation pistols, which had been modified to be capable of firing real bullets.

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Police also discovered component parts of guns and a stash of viable ammunition for the converted weapons during the raid in February 2018.

An investigation found other weapons including rifles had been previously modified, adapted and sold to criminals across the North of England.

Despite the ongoing investigation and the raid at his home, Robinson, 38, continued to modify and try to sell firearms.

Investigators found forensic and telephonic evidence linking Robinson, now of Oldham Road, Manchester, Dale Bates, 29, of no fixed abode and Junaid Ali, 24, of no fixed abode to the offence.

All three were arrested and later charged.

They pleaded guilty in June 2021 prior to a trial taking place.

Last Friday (February 11), Robinson was sentenced to 13 and a half years in prison for conspiracy to convert firearms, conspiracy to run a firearms business, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

Ali received eight years and three months for his role in the conspiracy and additional drugs offences.

Bates, who was sentenced on February 1, was jailed for five years for his involvement as a customer.

Wes