A man from Eltham has been sentenced to six and a half years in prison after police discovered a modified firearm hidden in his sock during a vehicle search in Maidstone.
Daniel Bryan, 30, of Stofield Gardens, Eltham, was convicted of possession of a prohibited firearm after a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and sentenced on January 31, 2025.
Incident Details
Police patrols were alerted to a suspicious vehicle traveling from Brixton into Kent in the early hours of July 30, 2024. The vehicle was tracked to Ashford Road in Maidstone, where officers detained two occupants, including Bryan.
During a search, police discovered a suspected firearm tucked into Bryan’s sock, beneath his jogging bottoms. Subsequent tests revealed the weapon was a modified starter pistol capable of firing live ammunition.
Police Statement
Detective Constable Stuart Drakeley, who was involved in the case, said:
“The starter pistol Bryan had in his possession had been deliberately adapted to become a dangerous weapon and could have caused a fatal injury if used during a violent crime.
“Bryan had no lawful reason to have it with him when he was stopped by officers, and it is right that he now is behind bars.
DC Drakeley added:
“There is no place for unlicensed firearms on the streets of Kent, and our patrols will continue to target those who fail to abide by the law. Those we detain can expect a lengthy prison sentence.”
Verdict and Sentencing
Bryan pleaded not guilty to the charge but was found guilty by a jury. On January 31, he was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
Crackdown on Firearms
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by Kent Police to tackle the presence of illegal firearms in the region. Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to removing dangerous weapons from the streets and ensuring that offenders face serious consequences for their actions.
Bryan’s conviction serves as a stark reminder of the severe penalties for carrying illegal weapons, which pose a significant threat to public safety.
During a search, officers found a suspected firearm tucked into Bryan’s sock, under his jogging bottoms.
The weapon was seized and Bryan was arrested. Subsequent tests confirmed the weapon to be a modified starter pistol, capable of firing live ammunition.
Bryan was later charged with possession of a prohibited firearm.(Image: Kent Police)
He pleaded not guilty and was convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court. Bryan was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
Detective Constable Stuart Drakeley said: “The starter pistol Bryan had in his possession had been deliberately adapted to become a dangerous weapon and could have caused a fatal injury if used during a violent crime.
“Bryan had no lawful reason to have it with him when he was stopped by officers, and it is right that he now is behind bars.
“There is no place for unlicensed firearms on the streets of Kent and our patrols will continue to target those who fail to abide by the law.
“Those we detain can expect a lengthy prison sentence.”
