Polish traders brought live ammunition into UK through Ramsgate
A controlled explosion
was carried out on Ramsgate beach
by Alex Claridge
A pair of Polish traders who brought live ammunition and
military hardware into Britain through the Port of Ramsgate have
avoided an immediate prison sentence.
Wojciech Jastrzebski, 37, and Przemyslaw Kaminsji, 33, were on
their way to a military collectibles fair with First and Second
World War anti-tank warheads, explosive shells and a detonator in
their van.
Canterbury Crown Court heard that the pair believed the items
had been deactivated – even though more than 2lbs of live explosive
were found in their van.
Bomb disposal experts carried out a controlled explosion on
Ramsgate beach following the discovery on January 27.
Judge Michael O’Sullivan said he accepted that the pair ran
legitimate businesses which traded in military artefacts in
Poland.
Evidence showed that they were on their way to a trade fair in
Coventry where they had paid for a stall and organised hotel
rooms.
Canterbury Crown Court -
where the men's case was heard
He said: “You failed to check that all the items were empty and
that failure to check could have resulted in disaster should there
have been an explosion.
“But neither of you is of a criminal disposition and you were
not bringing these items into the country for a criminal
purpose.
“You were unaware of the nature of these items. Had there been a
suggestion you were taking part in criminal activity, you would be
losing your liberty today.”
Each man was given a two-year prison sentence suspended for two
years and must pay £900 prosecution costs in the next 12
months.
Jastrzebski admitted two counts of possession of components for
a prohibited firearm. Kaminsji admitted a charge of unlawful
possession of prohibited ammunition.
Judge O’Sullivan added that both men can be jailed in the UK or
in Poland if they reoffend in either country in the next two
years.
He also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of any of the
remaining items.
12/12/12
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