4 days ago
Man who kept submachine gun in toolbox in his bedroom facing jail
A MAN who kept a deadly submachine gun in a toolbox in his bedroom along with 176 rounds of ammunition is facing jail.
Anthony Patterson, 44, was arrested after a Thompson submachine gun and live ammo was found by officers who raided the address in April last year.
Police stormed the property in Handsworth, Birmingham, and found the firearm in an upstairs bedroom and the ammunition stashed inside bin liners.
West Midlands Police said the weapon and bullets were examined by experts, who confirmed they were live and viable, with the capability of causing 'tremendous loss of life'.
Having not been inside the address at the time, Patterson handed himself in and was arrested on suspicion of possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of ammunition without certificate.
Anthony Patterson (Image: West Midlands Police / SWNS)
In police interview, Patterson answered no comment to all questions and was charged a short time later.
Patterson appeared at Birmingham Crown Court on May 20 where he pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition.
He was was remanded in custody to appear at the same court where he will be sentenced in June.
PC Richardson, from the force's Major Crime Proactive team, said: "This was a significant recovery of a lethal automatic weapon and a significant quantity of ammunition which could have caused tremendous loss of life.
"We are committed to taking all weapons, including firearms, off the streets and will continue to take proactive action to arrest and prosecute the people who carry them.
"If you suspect someone you know might be storing a firearm, let us know either directly to us, or anonymously via Crimestoppers."
