Jahmaine Watson, 34, of Northumberland Lane, Denaby, was arrested in June 2023 after his DNA was found on swabs taken from the trigger of a converted revolver.
The revolver and a pistol, along with rounds of ammunition, were seized from an address in Denaby following a warrant executed under Section 32 of the Misuse of Drugs Act.
The two loaded firearms were found concealed in a cupboard in the hallway of the property along with a quantity of drugs.
Watson, who was part of an organised crime group (OCG) called the ‘Pitsmoor Shotta Boys’ (PSB) gang before his arrest, was remanded in custody after being arrested and charged in June.
He pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition at Sheffield Crown Court on 30 November 2023.
Watson was jailed for seven years and two months at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday (4 January).
Detective Chief Inspector Tony Slater, from the force’s Armed Crime Team, said: “This was a lengthy investigation that required meticulous forensic examination and has resulted in a key member of an organised crime group being jailed.
The PSB have been known as a group that have inflicted terror and misery on our local communities and I hope local residents will share the same sense of relief we do that he is behind bars for a significant amount of time.
“Thanks to our dedicated Armed Crime Team, Watson’s DNA was discovered on a loaded firearm which was found hidden in a cupboard in a very ordinary-looking suburban home.
The use of a firearm is incredibly dangerous and can result in significant injury or death. We have seen first-hand the devastation and terror these weapons cause and I am relieved we have been able to remove these firearms from our streets.”
Watson’s conviction came as a result of an intelligence-led drugs warrant and DCI Slater has urged the public to continue reporting concerns and information they have to the police.
“I know as an Armed Crime Team we will not rest on our laurels and I know they are continuing to relentlessly pursue anyone within the criminal network who is in illegal possession of a firearm,” DCI Slater said.
“You might think you are above the law, but you are not. You will be caught, and I would urge members of the public with information that can help us put more of these criminals behind bars to get in touch.
“The information you provide is often invaluable to our investigations and it really does make a huge difference. We want to work with you and together we can continue to crack down on this criminality and rid our streets of dangerous firearms.
The DNA of another man – Taylor Blackburn – was also found on one of the weapons following the warrant executed at the Denaby home in December 2022.
Blackburn, 24, of Bosville Street, Rotherham, was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm and jailed for five years at Sheffield Crown Court in November 2023.
Watson also faced two further charges relating to the possession of another prohibited firearm and ammunition but these were ordered to lie on file.
