A man who converted a blank firing gun into a deadly weapon before using it in a fight between rival drug groups has been jailed.

Muhamet Mahmutaj was one of several men involved in a large brawl on May 2 which also included a catapult and knife.

Mahmutaj, of Giraud Street in East London, fired the weapon during the altercation in the Stanbridge Road and Pine Grove area of Edenbridge. No one was injured.

The Londoner had attempted to shoot a rival when the gun failed to discharge and he was quickly arrested at the scene by officers who attended.

Mahmutaj claims he and a friend – who had been stabbed during the incident - were set upon by people they didn’t know.

Searches led to the recovery of the gun nearby and an 8mm round which had misfired was found within the barrel.

An investigation conclusively matched the weapon to Mahmutaj.

Inquiries also connected him to a white Audi, which on the previous day was linked to incidents of criminal damage to cars belonging to the rival group.

He was charged with possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and with affray.

The 25-year-old pleaded not guilty at Maidstone Crown Court but was convicted after a trial and then sentenced on Friday, December 13, to five years in prison.

Detective Inspector Paul Raines said: “Mahmutaj had every intention of using this converted weapon and attempted to fire it at other people in a residential area, including at very close range. Fortunately, during the incident only a blank round misfired, which jammed the barrel.

“Brandishing any weapon on our streets is completely unacceptable and anyone bringing firearms into Kent and risking the safety of the public will be robustly pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We welcome the custodial sentence passed by the courts.”