Derby Resident Receives Five-Year Sentence for Possessing Converted Firearm
A man from the Midlands has been handed a significant prison term after authorities discovered a converted firearm concealed within his household freezer, alongside equipment for manufacturing ammunition. Daniel Davenport, aged 45, received a five-year custodial sentence at Derby Crown Court for possession of a prohibited firearm and common assault.
Discovery Following Public Altercation
Police officers initially became involved after responding to reports of a physical confrontation between Davenport and another individual on Aston Close in Chellaston, Derby, on May 31 of the previous year. The incident, witnessed by members of the public, involved Davenport punching, kicking, and pushing the victim into a hedge.
Following the altercation, law enforcement officials conducted a search of Davenport's residence on Filbert Walk. During this search, they made the alarming discovery of a self-loading blank firing pistol that had been converted into an operational firearm, stored inside the defendant's freezer.
Forensic Evidence and Dangerous Modifications
Prosecutor Mark Achurch presented detailed evidence to the court regarding the weapon's capabilities. Laboratory testing confirmed that the converted firearm possessed sufficient force to cause significant injury, with potential fatal consequences. The weapon had originally been manufactured as a blank-firing pistol with a dummy barrel, but had undergone substantial modification to become fully operational.
Further investigation revealed additional concerning items at the property, including ball bearings, a glue gun, and body armour. Prosecutors described these items as effectively constituting "a kit there to make ammunition." Forensic analysis confirmed Davenport's DNA was present on the firearm, and evidence indicated the weapon had been discharged following its conversion.
Sentencing and Mitigating Circumstances
During sentencing proceedings, Judge Shaun Smith KC acknowledged the mandatory minimum five-year sentence for firearm possession offences, noting that no exceptional circumstances existed to justify a reduction. The judge referenced Davenport's extensive criminal history, which included 27 previous convictions for 69 offences, though none involved firearms.
Defence counsel Hal Ewing presented mitigating factors, highlighting Davenport's concern regarding his daughter being placed in temporary care by local authorities. The defendant expressed intentions to make his daughter "a major part of his life" following his release.
Judge Smith commented on the defendant's challenging life circumstances, including medical misdiagnoses that reportedly contributed to his criminal behaviour. The judge observed that Davenport appeared to be "doing well" while in custody, suggesting this environment might currently represent the most suitable situation for him.
Community Safety Implications
This case highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal firearm modification and possession within residential communities. The discovery of such dangerous weapons in domestic settings represents a significant public safety risk that law enforcement agencies continue to address through proactive investigation and prosecution.
The successful prosecution demonstrates the effectiveness of thorough police work following seemingly routine public order incidents, leading to the removal of dangerous weapons from circulation and appropriate sentencing for those involved in serious firearms offences.
