Hertford man jailed for firearms offence

A Hertford man has been jailed for a firearms offence following an investigation by the East Herts Local Crime Unit (LCU).

Danny Greaves, aged 36, from Epping Green, was sentenced to three years in prison on Friday 2 August, following a trial at St Albans Crown Court.

He was found guilty by a jury of ‘purchasing or acquiring for selling or transferring a firearm, contrary to section 5(2A)(d) of the Firearms Act 1968’.

Greaves was arrested on 11 August last year after intelligence revealed that a .410 shot pistol had come into his possession, which he then attempted to sell on illegally.

A warrant was executed at his address, involving local officers as well as resources from the Operation Scorpion Team, Operational Support Group and Rural Operational Support Team.

Two viable firearms were recovered.

Following further enquiries by the LCU, Greaves was charged. He pleaded not guilty and was sent for trial.

Upon sentencing, the judge stated that, although there was no suggestion that the acquisition or attempted transfer had any sinister or criminal purpose, the involvement of any person with a lethal firearm without authorisation is an “extremely serious matter”.

He added that people who get involved in the transfer of firearms “have to expect strong deterrent sentences”.

Detective Constable Emma Lanaway, who led the investigation, said: “Although Greaves had no malicious intent for the acquired firearms, I believe that this sentence is more than reasonable.

“Having any firearm in your possession without the authority of the Secretary of State, has the potential for serious risk or harm, and anyone who plans or arranges to possess such a lethal weapon should expect severe consequences.”

You can find out more about firearms licensing on the Herts police website.