Man jailed after two guns found hidden during house raid

A 28-year-old man from Oldham has been jailed after admitting to stashing two guns in a house and refusing to tell police where he got them from. 

Mark McNamara (pictured), of Bankfield Drive, was sentenced at Minshull Street Crown Court on Friday (13 November) to six years in prison. 

He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon. 

On Monday 12 October, police executed a warrant at the property on Bankfield Drive as a part of an ongoing investigation into the supply of firearms. 

A black pistol which was loaded with a magazine was found wrapped in black plastic in the garden.

Nearby was a rusted silver revolver found within a black bag inside a backpack.

McNamara was arrested at the scene and admitted to stashing the weapons, before refusing to speak to police further about where he acquired them or from whom.

Detective Chief Inspector Christopher Mossop, of GMPs Serious Crime Unit, said: “This operation removed two potentially lethal weapons from Greater Manchester’s streets.

“This successful warrant and today’s court result shows that we remain committed to tackling organised crime and making Oldham, and Greater Manchester as a whole, safer by eliminating the scourge of illegal firearms.

“I’d like to thank the officers involved with the original warrant and their hard work in helping to secure this prosecution.

“If you suspect someone of possessing an illegal firearm, the contact police immediately. You may be helping to save a life.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101 or reports can be made anonymously via the independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111. Alternatively, report online at www.gmp.police.uk