Young Gun-Toting Criminal Handed Five Years Behind Bars
Ryan Molloy, 20, from Stamford Close, Toothill, has been locked up for five years at a young offenders institution. The Swindon Crown Court slammed him with the sentence on August 7 after convicting him for possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition without certification.
Police Storm Property, Find Gun Linked to Molloy
The drama unfolded on September 18, 2023, when cops raided a property on Edington Close, Swindon. Three men made a dash for it. Moments later, a suspicious bag was found dumped in a neighbour’s garden. Inside? A firearm, which forensic experts linked directly to Molloy via fingerprints.
Cop Sounds Alarm Over Dangers of Illegal Guns
Detective Constable Anna McCormack said: “A bag containing a firearm was left in a residential garden where anyone could have found it. Such illegal firearms have no place in Swindon and Wiltshire. They often end up in the hands of organised criminals, who use them to inflict serious violence and instil fear.”
She added, “I am pleased to have removed one from our streets before it was used to fatally or seriously injure someone.”
Wiltshire Police Urge Public to Stay Alert
The case shines a spotlight on Wiltshire Police’s ongoing fight against illegal guns. Officers are calling on the public to report any suspicious activity immediately. If you suspect a crime or exploitation, ring 101 or 999 in an emergency. You can also tip off Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
Meanwhile, Molloy was also slapped with a £228 surcharge, and the seized firearm and cartridges are set to be destroyed.
