Man Jailed Over Gun Found in Dartford Gym Locker
A 22-year-old gym-goer was slapped with a six-year, three-month jail sentence after cops uncovered a loaded gun stashed in his locker.
Firearm and Ammo Found Hidden in Sports Bag
Freddie Bell, from Patterdale Road, Dartford, had secreted a self-loading pistol and 10 bullets inside a drawstring sports bag. He locked the bag in the men’s changing room at a Darenth Road gym.
The stash was uncovered after Bell broke the gym’s no-overnight locker policy. Staff cut his padlock, exposing the weapon.
Quick Police Arrest Following Staff Tip-Off
Bell showed up at the gym on 1 November 2019 asking about his missing property—already taken by police. He accurately described the bag, left his contact details, and was told he’d be contacted.
Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate arrested Bell on 18 November.
Judge Hands Down Heavy Sentence
At Woolwich Crown Court on 17 December 2019, Bell pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm and ammunition. The sentence also includes one year for breaching a previous suspended sentence.
Detective Constable Dave Bull said: “Every firearm taken out of circulation is potentially a life saved. Freddie Bell thought he could get away with storing this weapon at his gym and we thank staff for reporting it as soon as it was uncovered. Anyone caught with a gun will face the full force of the law and the sentence in this case reflects the seriousness of having a firearm in your possession.”
