Police Discover Cache of Illegal Firearms in Home Raid
A man in possession of prohibited firearms was recently uncovered following a police raid at his residence in Caerphilly. Carl McCarthy, 53, was found to be harboring illegal weapons, including a self-loading pistol and two semi-automatic rifles, one of which he did not have a valid certificate for. The discovery was made on September 25, 2022, after police received intelligence that firearms were present at the property. McCarthy initially denied the existence of such weapons but subsequently relented under the threat of a thorough search with police dogs.
During a sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, it was revealed that a variety of items were seized from McCarthy’s home, including double-barrel shotguns, blades, swords, and two sets of ammunition. The illegal firearms were uncovered in McCarthy’s bedroom and behind a settee, a concerning revelation that shocked the local community. The court proceedings detailed the specifics of the confiscated firearms, highlighting their dangerous potential.
One of the prohibited firearms discovered was a Kahr Arm P45 calibre self-loading pistol, originating from America with accompanying ammunition. The second prohibited firearm, a Falcon G22 semi-automatic rifle, was found to be fully functional and charged. Additionally, a Walther G22 semi-automatic rifle was seized, for which McCarthy did not possess a valid certificate, further compounding the severity of the situation.
McCarthy admitted during interviews that while residing in America, he legally purchased the Kahr Arm P45 and the Walther G22. However, he expressed surprise when these items were unlawfully transported to the UK alongside him. The third firearm, the Falcon G22, was initially purchased legally in a shop in Newport but had been modified without proper authorization to accommodate McCarthy’s disability, allowing for one-handed use.
In a demonstration of remorse, McCarthy pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing prohibited firearms and possessing a firearm without a certificate. Despite being of previous good character, McCarthy’s actions were met with stern repercussions. The court heard mitigating statements emphasizing that McCarthy had not used the firearms or drawn attention to himself through threatening behavior.
In an effort to address the seriousness of the offence, Judge Lucy Crowther delivered a sentence of five years’ imprisonment for McCarthy. This decision underscored the gravity of possessing illegal firearms and the potential risks posed to public safety. McCarthy will serve half of the sentence in custody before being released to serve the remaining period under license, highlighting the stringent measures taken in cases of this nature.
The outcome of this case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with illegal firearms and the legal ramifications individuals face when in possession of such weapons. The swift response by law enforcement in uncovering and addressing this threat underscores the commitment to maintaining community safety and upholding the law. This incident sheds light on the importance of robust measures to combat illegal firearms trafficking and possession, safeguarding communities from potential harm.