Hackney duo jailed for possession of guns
Two men have today been jailed after police found them driving around Hackney with a gun in their car.
Darren Brissett, 33, of Shafton Road E9 and Mark Griffiths, 35, of Banister House, Homerton High Street E9, both pleaded guilty at Snaresbrook Crown Court today (Tuesday 4 January) to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and possession of ammunition.
Griffiths also admitted a second possession charge and was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment.
Brissett was jailed for five years.
On Thursday 15 July 2010 at about 8.50pm armed officers acting on information received carried out a stop on a silver Ford Fiesta.
Both the driver, Griffiths, and the passenger, Brissett, attempted to make off before being stopped by officers. Whilst searching the car police discovered a pistol and three rounds of ammunition.
The men were arrested and taken to Charing Cross police station.
Griffiths refused to tell the police where he lived but officers ascertained his address and searched his home. They found a handgun inside a wardrobe.
Both men were charged and due for trial today before deciding to plead guilty.
Detective Inspector Chris Jones, from Trident, said: “We’re pleased two dangerous offenders who thought nothing of driving around the streets of Hackney with a firearm in their car are now behind bars for a substantial length of time.”
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