A 24-year-old man has been jailed for six years after his DNA was found on a self-loading pistol that was discovered in a derelict unit in Lye following an arson attack. The handgun was found stashed inside a second vehicle within the unit on Stourvale Road, along with a small amount of cannabis and mobile phones.
Discovery After Arson Attack
The firearm was uncovered on July 23 last year after flames from a nearby car torching spread to the derelict unit. Firefighters tackling the blaze discovered the weapon, which was later deemed a viable firearm by experts. The gun had been hidden inside a vehicle within the unit.
DNA Evidence Leads to Conviction
Terrell Billingham, of Granville Road, Cradley Heath, was arrested on August 20 and charged with possession of a firearm. He denied the charge but was convicted after a trial. During a sentencing hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on Friday, July 3, he was jailed for six years. His DNA was found on the handle of the pistol, providing key evidence linking him to the weapon.
Police Statement on Gun Crime
Detective Sergeant Marc Petford from West Midlands Police's Major Crime Unit commented: "We know that criminals, and those who choose to have firearms illegally, will try to evade detection by hiding them away. In this instance, the hiding place was found after an unrelated incident nearby. But we are always working to track down those involved in gun crime and would urge anyone with information on the location of illegal held firearms to contact us, so we can remove them from our streets."
Impact and Community Safety
The case highlights the persistent issue of illegal firearms in the West Midlands and the efforts of law enforcement to remove them. The six-year sentence reflects the seriousness of the offense, and police continue to appeal for public assistance in reporting hidden weapons. The successful prosecution demonstrates how forensic evidence can be crucial in securing convictions even when weapons are concealed.
