Gang members jailed over 'makeshift gun factory'

Men who were members of a criminal gang that converted blank firearms into live weapons have been jailed.

Gary Worthington, 45, and Perry Phillips, 56, both of Old Windsor, Berkshire, were given seven years and two months in prison at Reading Crown Court after admitting weapons offences earlier.

South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) officers found 56 converted firearms and ammunition at a garage block off Ash Lane, Windsor, that the gang used for storage in October 2023.

The officers later found 27 converted handguns, ammunition and tools at a house in Talbot Place, Datchet, that served they described as a "makeshift gun factory".

It followed their investigation into the gang that was sourcing Turkish-manufactured blank firing pistols to turn into live handguns and then sell on.

Their work connected Worthington and Phillips to Paul Lynam, of Waterlooville, who was jailed for 16 years and six months at Portsmouth Crown Court in February for weapons offences.

Worthington and Phillips, who were jailed on 1 June, admitted encouraging or assisting the supply of firearms and supplying ammunition, SEROCU said.

"The roles the pair played - purchasing and transporting weapons and ammunition - formed a pivotal part of the criminal activities of this organised crime group," Det Supt Ben Lee said.

"This case demonstrates our unwavering efforts to ensure the communities in the south east and beyond are protected from the threat posed by serious and organised crime, including the criminal use of firearms."