Police comment following sentencing of Troy Lewis for firearms offences
MERSEYSIDE Police can confirm that Troy Lewis, 39, was sentenced to a total of 5 years, four months at Liverpool Crown Court, on Monday, 1 June 2015 for firearms offences. Troy Lewis, from Aigburth, was sentenced after being convicted of 2 counts of possessing a prohibited firearm. Lewis was arrested and subsequently charged with possession of a firearm after he was stopped while driving in St Bernard Close, Toxteth on 8 December 2014. During their search of the vehicle, officers found a bag containing 2 revolvers. The bag was hidden on a factory built platform within the engine compartment. A mobile phone was also found. The firearms were later identified as a .45 calibre revolver handgun and a .32 Colt revolver handgun. The following day, 9 December 2014, officers searched his home address at Marmion Road and recovered ballistic body armour. During interview, Lewis stated he was transporting the firearms for a 3rd party, he refused to name and he believed them to be antiques. Detective Superintendent Chris Green, Matrix Serious Organised Crime Major Investigation Unit, said:- "Those people who are found in possession of firearms are committing an extremely serious offence. Even if they don't intend to use them, looking after or storing them makes it easier for other criminals to commit serious crime. Lewis is now facing a long time in prison and I hope his sentence makes other people realise that possessing firearms of any type, whether brand new or decades old, carries huge risks and is simply not worth it. Lewis claimed he thought the firearms were antiques, but regardless of the age of the revolvers they were viable and potentially dangerous weapons. We would urge anyone intent on possessing such weapons to think carefully about whether it is worth spending a long time in prison for. We won't tolerate criminals who use guns to create fear and intimidation on Merseyside and we are also determined to crackdown on the people who help them by storing and looking after illegal weapons. We will be relentless in our efforts to crack down on serious and organised crime and I would continue to appeal to the public to tell us if they know where firearms or drugs are being stored." Anyone with information can contact MSOC Officers on:- 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on:- 0800 555 111.
