An Eltham man has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison after Kent Police discovered a converted firearm hidden in a sock during a vehicle stop in Maidstone.

Daniel Bryan, of Stofield Gardens, Eltham, was arrested on 30 July 2024 after officers stopped a car travelling from Brixton on Ashford Road, Maidstone.

Converted Pistol Seized

During a search of the vehicle, police recovered a starter pistol that had been modified to fire live ammunition. The illegal weapon was concealed inside a sock, raising concerns about its intended use.

Authorities emphasised that converted firearms pose a serious threat as they can be used in violent crime, gang-related incidents, and other illegal activities.

Sentencing and Police Statement

Bryan was charged with firearm offences and later convicted. He appeared in court, where he was handed a six-and-a-half-year prison sentence.

A spokesperson for Kent Police stated:

“This was a dangerous weapon that had been modified for criminal use. Thanks to the proactive work of our officers, it has been removed from circulation before it could cause harm.

“The sentence handed down reflects the seriousness of firearm offences, and we remain committed to tackling the possession and supply of illegal weapons in Kent and beyond.”

Crackdown on Illegal Firearms

Police forces across the UK have been ramping up efforts to remove illegal weapons from the streets, with converted firearms being a growing concern in urban areas.

Kent Police continues to urge the public to report any information relating to illegal firearms by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

This case serves as a stark warning about the severe consequences of possessing illegal firearms.