A man who converted a staple gun into a lethal firearm and posed for selfies with it has been jailed for five years.
Off-duty officer's sharp observation leads to arrest
The case came to light in March last year thanks to the vigilance of an off-duty police officer. The officer spotted Jason Young taking drugs while travelling on a train. The officer alerted British Transport Police (BTP), who intercepted Young at St Albans City station.
When officers searched Young and his suitcase, they made a shocking discovery. Concealed in an inside pocket was the modified staple gun, which had been transformed into a working firearm. He was immediately arrested.
Digital evidence sealed his fate
Further investigation of Young's two mobile phones provided damning evidence of his involvement with the weapon. Police uncovered a video showing Young test-firing the homemade gun in a field. They also found a self-portrait photograph of him posing with the converted tool.
Forensic specialists examined the device and confirmed it was a viable firearm, capable of firing live ammunition. Alongside the weapon, a small quantity of crack cocaine was found on Young during the search.
Five-year sentence for dangerous creation
Young, 45, of Selbourne Close in Kent, initially claimed to police that he had forgotten the firearm was in his suitcase. However, he later pleaded guilty to both manufacturing a firearm and possession of a firearm.
He appeared before St Albans Crown Court on December 9, where a judge handed down a five-year prison sentence.
Following the sentencing, BTP Detective Constable Agata Barker said: “Thanks to the sharp actions of the off-duty officer travelling on the train that day, a lethal weapon has been removed from criminal circulation.”
She added: “Only Jason Young knows what he planned to do with his homemade gun, but if it was used against someone it could have resulted in fatal consequences. From material found on his phones it’s clear he was enamoured with his creation.”
DC Barker concluded with a warning: “Anyone carrying weapons on the railway should know that we will find them, and we will ensure they face justice.”
