Drug dealer, 19, who kept sawn-off shotgun for 'protection' given seven years

Police swooped on the Bilston home of Ravi Bennings on July 19 last year and uncovered the potentially deadly weapon along with around £700 worth of cannabis.

Wolverhampton Crown Court was told that firearms officers from West Midlands Police tested the shotgun, which had been modified to shorten its barrel, and found it to be in full working order.

West Midlands Police say they hope the sentence will discourage others from getting involved in gun crime.

The court heard that at the time of the raid 19-year-old Bennings was on police bail following a previous swoop on the same address in Newman Place in May.

Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting, said that on that occasion officers found cocaine and cannabis worth an estimated £2,000.

The court was told that when interviewed by police Bennings declined to answer any questions, but at a plea and case management hearing at the end of last year he said that the shotgun was kept for his own protection.

Mr Thomas Dutton, defending, said Bennings was a 'young' 19-year-old who had planned to further his education before he was arrested for the offences.

The court heard the defendant was of previous good character.

Bennings, of Newman Place, Bilston, admitted possessing a prohibited firearm, possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply and possession of Class B drugs with intent to supply.

He was locked up for a total of seven years.

Judge Amjad Nawaz explained to the defendant that he was left with no alternative but to pass a lengthy sentence as a result of the firearms offence.

He said: "There is no evidence to show how long you had the shotgun in your possession, but you have said that you had it for your own protection.

"That shows you are mixing with company engaged in considerable criminal activity.

Judge Nawaz added that Bennings would have faced a longer period behind bars had he not admitted his guilt at an earlier hearing.

Police Constable Sam Kirk, from Wolverhampton's Violent Crime Team, said: "The recovery of a firearm and ammunition is always a significant find. Every gun taken from the streets is potentially a life saved.

"We will continue to work hard to reduce the threat posed by weapons and welcome any community information that may help us. It is an affront to everyone who tries to work hard and play by the rules to see people trying to live off making others' lives a misery.

"We welcome the sentencing and hope this jail sentence serves as a deterrent."