Man Jailed for Five Years Over Converted Firearm in Suffolk
A man has been locked up for five years after police busted him with a converted firearm in Lowestoft, Suffolk. Authorities are urging the public to stay alert and report anything suspicious.
Firearm Offence Foiled by Police Team-Up
Clinton Hicks, 59, of Normanshurst Close, was arrested on 28 July 2019 in a joint operation by Suffolk Constabulary and the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. Officers seized a dangerous converted firearm—originally a blank firing gun altered to shoot live rounds.
Hicks was charged with possession of a prohibited firearm under section 5.1 of the Firearms Act. During the raid, police also found various chemicals, prompting further checks by counter-terrorism detectives. Thankfully, no additional offences were discovered linked to the chemicals.
Guilty Plea Leads to Prison Sentence
On 27 January, Hicks pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court. Today, 17 April, he was sentenced to five years behind bars for the firearm offence.
Police Praise Public and Teamwork
“I am very pleased with today’s sentence which has seen a man in possession of a dangerous weapon jailed for a considerable time,” said Commander Richard Smith of the Met’s Counter Terrorism Command. “This was a direct result of the strong collaboration between forces and public vigilance.”
Superintendent Paul Sharp added: “This incident caused major disruption locally last July. I thank residents for their patience during evacuations and road closures. It’s good to see justice served.”
