A gunman was caught stashing a gun in south-east London by police who followed him because he ran a red light while “recklessly” riding an e-scooter.
Prince Wynter, 25, has been sentenced to seven years in prison following the incident, which happened in Bermondsey in October.
Police were on patrol near Tooley Street when they spotted Wynter riding an electric scooter, “recklessly running a red light, posing a significant risk to public safety”.
They followed him, and as they approached they saw him throwing an object under a nearby car.
Searching under the car they found he had stashed a black handgun in an apparent attempt to hide it from police.
Wynter, of Firfield Street in Totterdown, Bristol, was arrested on suspicion of firearm possession, and was also found to be carrying cannabis.
In May, he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, and was found guilty of possession of a prohibited weapon firearm, possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate, and possession of a Class B drug.
At Inner London Crown Court on Friday (July 26), he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Detective Constable Luke Martinez, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command who led the investigation, said:
“This outcome is a testament to the effective work of Met officers, whose swift action resulted in the removal of a loaded firearm from the streets of London.
“Our officers are working hard to ensure that people are safe and preventing dangerous weapons from being used.
“Firearms are linked to most severe violence with deadly outcomes and we will continue to tackle gun crime and hold offenders accountable.”
In the last year, 386 illegal firearms have been seized across London - equating to more than one a day.
To report a crime, call 101, report it online or visit Crimestoppers to report totally anonymously. Always call 999 in an emergency.
