A Drug Dealer Caught with Sawn-Off Shotgun is Jailed for Seven Years
Police raided the home of Ravi Bennings where they found a shotgun, along with £700 worth of Cannabis. Wolverhampton Crown Court heard that firearms officers from West Midlands Police tested the shot gun and found it to be in working order.
It was revealed that the 19-year-old Bennings was on bail for a previous offence at the same address. On that occasion Mr Howard Searle said that officers found cocaine and cannabis worth an estimated £2,000.
When police questioned the young man he refused to co-operate however he later admitted that the shotgun was kept for his own protection. Mr Thomas Dutton, defending, called Bennings a ‘young’ 19-year-old who had plans for further education before being arrested. The court also heard the defendant was of previous good character.
Bennings admitted to possessing a prohibited firearm, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply. He has now been jailed for seven years.
Judge Amjad Nawaz explained that the sentence was necessary due to the possession of a firearm. He said, “There is no evidence to show how long you had the shotgun in your possession, but you have said that you had it for your own protection.
“That shows you are mixing with company engaged in considerable criminal activity”.
Police Constable Sam Kirk, from Wolverhampton’s Violent Crime Team, said, “The recovery of a firearm and ammunition is always a significant find. Every gun taken from the streets is potentially a life saved.
“We will continue to work hard to reduce the threat posed by weapons and welcome any community information that may help us. It is an affront to everyone who tries to work hard and play by the rules to see people trying to live off making others’ lives a misery.
“We welcome the sentencing and hope this jail sentence serves as a deterrent.”
