Gun Swap Caught Red-Handed in South London
Two men have been jailed for five years after swapping a firearm in a parked car, right in front of undercover officers in south London.
Dean Philpott, 34, from Erith, and Paul Saunders, 63, from Sidcup, were sentenced at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, 9 March. Philpott was found guilty of possessing a prohibited firearm, while Saunders was convicted of possession and transfer of a prohibited firearm. Saunders also admitted to possessing a Class B drug earlier.
Undercover Sting Sees Firearm Exchange
On the afternoon of 20 November 2018, Specialist Crime officers watched Philpott leave his home in Hemsted Road, Erith, and walk less than 300 yards to Birling Road. He didn’t carry anything at first.
Officers spotted Philpott hop into the passenger seat of a black Renault Megane driven by Saunders. After just 35 seconds, Philpott left the car and headed into a nearby convenience store. The Renault quickly drove off, but was immediately stopped by the cops around the corner.
- Saunders was caught carrying amphetamine and arrested on suspicion of firearms offences.
- Philpott was stopped outside the shop after buying rubber gloves. A wrapped firearm – a revolver – was found in his pocket.
Antique or Live Weapon? Court Told the Truth
Philpott claimed the handgun was an antique and couldn’t fire bullets. He said he intended to keep the weapon as a showpiece at home.
But the court heard the revolver, although an antique, was still capable of firing live rounds. DNA tests linked Saunders to the packaging of the gun. Phone records revealed Saunders had Googled phrases like “loophole that allows criminals to own working antique guns” and “does ammunition expire.”
Saunders denied supplying the firearm and refused to comment during questioning.
Met Police Crack Down on Firearm Crime
“I am pleased that the jury saw through the defendants’ lies and chose to convict them due to the overwhelming evidence we gathered against them,” said detective DC Marlon Guthrie.
“The Met is committed to taking people like Philpott and Saunders, and the firearm they had, off the streets of London.”
