We raided Frankie Burton’s home on the evening of April 20 last year, aiming to arrest him over a suspected arson attack. What we uncovered was far more sinister — a full-blown weapons factory hidden in his bedroom.
Bedroom Arsenal: Homemade Guns and Deadly Tools
Inside Burton’s bedroom, we found a suitcase packed with homemade guns and an ammunition box containing 17 mixed live and blank bullets. That was just the start. Stashed alongside were eight hunting and flick knives, a knuckleduster, a baseball bat, and even a stab-proof vest.
We also uncovered tools that could turn homemade firearms into lethal weapons, showing the deadly potential of his stash.
Loft Laden With Guns and Live Ammo
Our search didn’t stop there. In the loft of his Roberts Green Road home in Upper Gornal, we found even more guns, 10 live bullets, and a CS spray canister.
Chilling Obsession with Murder and Firearms
Burton, 31, was arrested and launched into custody. The investigation revealed he had a chilling obsession with murder. Police found online searches detailing how to carry out ‘headshots’ and a keen interest in firearms conversion cases and sentencing guidelines.
Six Years and Four Months Behind Bars
At Wolverhampton Crown Court, Burton pleaded guilty to multiple offences including possession of firearms, ammunition, CS spray, and owning guns without licences. Today, he was sentenced to six years and four months in prison.
“We discovered Burton was stockpiling a dangerous array of weapons, including homemade guns and hoarded knives,” said Det Insp Lisa Jackson, from the Force Priority and Vulnerabilities Team.
“He was obsessed with murder, watching videos on ammunition reloading and armed with step-by-step guides. His criminal intent was clear, not a mere hobby as he claimed.”
“The judge described this as a ‘worrying case’, branding Burton a ‘troubling individual’ and a public risk. We’re relieved he’s behind bars where he belongs.”
