A Leeds man has been sentenced to five years in prison after police discovered a loaded AK-47 assault rifle and 30 rounds of live ammunition at his home.
Kane Clarke, 27, was arrested following a search of his property on Kelsall Road, Hyde Park, on November 20, 2024. Officers found the weapon, a military-grade firearm, concealed in the cellar of the home. Clarke had initially been detained on suspicion of unrelated offences, leading to the search.
Weapon Details
The AK-47, originally developed in the Soviet Union, is a high-powered automatic rifle capable of firing 600 rounds per minute with an effective range of 350 meters. The discovery of such a weapon, described as designed solely for the battlefield, raised significant concerns about its intended use in a criminal context.
Legal Proceedings
Clarke offered no explanation during police interviews and later pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court on December 19 to charges of:
- Possession of a prohibited automatic weapon
- Possession of 30 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition
In his plea, Clarke claimed he was holding the weapon on behalf of others but refused to disclose any further details.
Police Investigation and Sentencing
The investigation was conducted by Leeds District’s Programme Precision Team, which focuses on tackling serious and organised crime. Clarke was sentenced to five years imprisonment at Leeds Crown Court.
Official Statements
Detective Inspector John Graham, who leads the Programme Precision Team, said:
“This is a military-grade weapon designed for the battlefield and is something that can have only one deadly purpose in the hands of criminals.”
He continued:
“It is extremely rare for firearms of this type to be found in circulation, and thankfully, this one has now been taken off the streets. We hope the significant prison term Clarke has received will reassure the community and serve as a stark warning to others who involve themselves in this type of crime.
Community Impact
The case highlights ongoing efforts to remove dangerous weapons from circulation and deter serious crime in Leeds. Police encourage the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge of illegal firearms to help ensure community safety.
