A Professional criminal who is ruthless and a highly manipulative man from Kent jailed for Ten years
Dion Williams, 34 from Rosemary Gardens, Broadstairs, Kent has been sentenced to a total of ten years’ imprisonment at Maidstone Crown Court today, Friday 10 May. Williams was found guilty of the following offences at the same court on Thursday 9 May, following a two-week trial. – Conspiracy to transfer a prohibited weapon (Colt.455 self-loading pistol); – Conspiracy to transfer prohibited ammunition (49.455 compatible rounds of ammunition). William’s conviction comes as the result of an intelligence-led operation carried out by the Met’s Trident and Area Crime Command. The court heard how on 19 February 2017, Trident officers conducted surveillance in the Ramsgate area of Kent which resulted in armed officers from Kent Constabulary stopping two vehicles on the M2 (Maidstone) travelling back to London. This resulted in the recovery of a Colt self-loading pistol along with 49 compatible rounds of ammunition. Through forensic analysis, Williams was identified as being wanted in connection with this investigation but had fled the UK. On 5 September 2018 Williams was arrested in Kent shortly after returning to the UK. He was charged with the firearms offences the following day, where he later appeared in Maidstone Crown Court having pleaded not guilty to all charges. Following the two-week trial Williams was sentenced to a maximum possible tariff of ten years imprisonment having been found guilty of both charges. Upon sentence the court heard how in 2008 Williams was part of an organised criminal network who conducted a firearm enabled escape from lawful custody of a male from Barking Magistrates as well as an armed robbery which took place two weeks later in Dorset; he was convicted in relation to these crimes and was still on licence when he committed these latest offences. Williams will commence his current ten-year sentence at the conclusion of his licence period which concludes in August 2020. Upon sentence HHJ Williams referred to Williams as a, "professional criminal" who is "ruthless and a highly manipulative man." Detective Inspector Glenn Butler of the Metropolitan Police Trident Command said: "This was a complex investigation that was driven by a wealth of intelligence secured by Trident officers. It resulted in the organised criminals involved in the illegal supply and possession of firearms and ammunition being targeted. The firearm and ammunition recovered in this case were undoubtedly destined for the streets of London and thanks to the work of the team, they have now been removed. "Bearing down on violent crime on the streets of London continues to be a top priority for the Met. Teams across the city are working tirelessly – day and night – to identify and pursue offenders, help bring perpetrators to justice, take weapons off the street, support victims, engage and reassure the public, and keep our communities safe. "However, the police cannot solve this problem alone. The police, our partners and the public must work together to deal with firearm enabled crime and prevent further lives being lost. "Communities have a vital role to play in tackling violent crime. We want to hear from anyone who may have information about people who may carry knives or firearms, or who are involved in organised drug crime and violence. This information could save lives in the future. If you aren’t comfortable speaking directly to the police and wish to remain anonymous, please contact the independent charity Crimestoppers." = Three other men were jailed for a total of 27 years at Maidstone Crown Court in January 2018 after being arrested during the original phase of the operation.
