TWO PEOPLE have been jailed for more than eight years after a shotgun was seized by West Midlands Police during an on-going crackdown on illegal weapons.
Firearms officers recovered the shortened shotgun and ammunition after acting on intelligence to monitor a gun deal on a car park in Waverley Avenue, Pheasey, on March 9 last year.
Ben Wellings was seen to park up near to Pauline Ali’s BMW just before 11am and pass a black bag – containing the shotgun – through an open window.
Ali drove off but was stopped soon after by officers in Shady Lane, Great Barr, who seized the short-barrelled gun – similar to a sawn-off shotgun – and cartridge from the car seat.
Wellings was followed by officers and arrested at a petrol station forecourt in nearby Kingstanding Road.
Wellings, aged 30, of Birdbrook Road, Great Barr, pleaded guilty to possessing and supplying a firearm and was jailed for six years at Birmingham Crown Court.
Ali, 37, of Windsor Road, Castle Bromwich, admitted possessing a firearm and was sentenced to two-and-a-half years behind bars.
West Midlands Police has vowed to take firm action against illegal firearms and continue to pursue court action.
Detective Inspector Darren Crutchley, of the West Midlands Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “This was a potentially lethal gun which has been removed from the streets.
“These sentences should reassure the public that possession of an illegal weapon will not be tolerated and are treated seriously by police and the courts.”
