Man Jailed for Over 11 Years After Guns Found Hidden in Wardrobe
David Fitzgerald’s world came crashing down on 14 October 2020. Police swooped on a rental property in Headcorn Road and uncovered a stash of deadly weapons hidden in plain sight – inside a wardrobe.
Armed to the Teeth: Pistol, Silencer, and Ammunition Seized
Officers found a self-loading pistol, a silencer, a magazine, and loose bullets. Fitzgerald, caught at the scene, was immediately arrested.
Storage Unit Search Uncovers More Firearms
The investigation didn’t stop there. A search of a nearby storage unit leased by Fitzgerald revealed a bolt-action rifle and more ammunition cleverly wrapped in a towel.
Encrypted Messages Reveal Firearms for Sale
Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate uncovered encrypted texts from March to June 2020. These messages showed Fitzgerald was selling prohibited firearms to criminal contacts.
Detective Constable Terry Hanlon said: “Fitzgerald had no legal reason to possess these weapons. Court evidence proved he offered firearms for sale using encrypted messaging services favoured by organised criminals.”
“He tried to hide the weapons, but thanks to the officers’ thorough searches, they were recovered. Kent is safer with these guns off the streets.”
Harsh Sentence for Illegal Firearms Dealer
The 58-year-old pleaded guilty to all charges except conspiracy to sell or transfer prohibited weapons. However, he was convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court and sentenced on 25 November 2022.
Fitzgerald was handed a hefty prison term of eleven years and six months.
