VW Golf Brawl Ends with Firearm Arrests in Sutton-in-Ashfield
Violence erupted on Kirkby Road, Sutton-in-Ashfield, when occupants of a Volkswagen Golf jumped out of their stationary car and attacked another vehicle with hammers and bats. The incident unfolded around 7.20pm on 25 January 2020.
After the savage smash-up, the gang climbed back into their Golf and sped off. Nottinghamshire Police quickly tracked the car down in Hucknall. Armed officers tailed it before stopping the vehicle on Bestwood Road.
Three Arrested with Offensive Weapons and Firearm
Police arrested the driver, 38-year-old Dannie Robinson, rear passenger Gareth Martin, 32, and a third occupant. Inside the car, officers found offensive weapons linked to the violent attack.
Meanwhile, a member of the public tipped off police about a gun lying on a nearby pavement. The weapon, containing two live bullets, was recovered and seized. All three suspects were then arrested on suspicion of firearm possession.
Forensic tests revealed Robinson’s DNA on the gun, cementing his connection to the weapon.
Sentences Delivered at Nottingham Crown Court
On 6 January 2021, Robinson, formerly of Lilac Road, Hucknall, was jailed for seven years after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear and to affray.
Martin, from Larch Gardens, Bulwell, received a 12-month suspended sentence with 120 hours of unpaid work and 25 rehabilitation activity days, after pleading guilty to affray.
Police Praise Public’s Crucial Role
Detective Inspector Gayle Hart said: “We take all incidents involving firearms and violence extremely seriously. We use multiple tactics to prevent weapon-enabled crime, including warrants and intelligence-led operations.
“However, it was an eagle-eyed member of the public who helped us recover the gun. We thank them for their support, which led to a serious offence being uncovered and a deadly weapon removed from our streets.”
