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A man was caught with a pistol hidden in his sock during a stop and search by police in the street.
Daniel Bryan was travelling from Brixton to Maidstone in what had been flagged as a “suspicious car” when the vehicle was tracked down by police just outside the town centre in Ashford Road.
When the vehicle came to a stop, Bryan was detained and searched.
Officers found a suspected firearm, which tests later revealed to be a modified starter pistol capable of firing live ammunition, tucked into the suspect’s sock under his jogging bottoms.
The weapon was seized and Bryan, 30, was later charged with possession of a prohibited firearm.
He denied the offence but was convicted by a jury following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court.
On Friday, January 31, Bryan, of Stofield Gardens in Eltham, was sentenced to six-and-a-half years in prison.
Detective Constable Stuart Drakeley said: “The starter pistol Bryan had in his possession had been deliberately adapted to become a dangerous weapon and could have caused a fatal injury if used during a violent crime.
“Bryan had no lawful reason to have it with him when he was stopped by officers, and it is right that he now is behind bars.
“There is no place for unlicensed firearms on the streets of Kent and our patrols will continue to target those who fail to abide by the law. Those we detain can expect a lengthy prison sentence.”