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Royal Marine admits gun and explosives offences Royal Marine admits gun and explosives offences Royal Marine admits gun and explosives offences
(about 13 hours later)
A Royal Marine reservist is facing a “considerable” jail sentence after admitting charges linked to a cache of firearms, grenades, plastic explosives and ammunition.A Royal Marine reservist is facing a “considerable” jail sentence after admitting charges linked to a cache of firearms, grenades, plastic explosives and ammunition.
Martin Shannon, 43, was arrested near Winchester on 1 September after an undercover operation headed by the National Crime Agency (NCA).Martin Shannon, 43, was arrested near Winchester on 1 September after an undercover operation headed by the National Crime Agency (NCA).
The married defendant, who was said to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), admitted 15 firearms and explosives offences at the Old Bailey on Friday, including selling some of the guns during the covert operation.The married defendant, who was said to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), admitted 15 firearms and explosives offences at the Old Bailey on Friday, including selling some of the guns during the covert operation.
Shannon, of Hythe, near Southampton, pleaded guilty to transferring an assault rifle, pistol and sawn-off shotgun as well as shotgun cartridges.Shannon, of Hythe, near Southampton, pleaded guilty to transferring an assault rifle, pistol and sawn-off shotgun as well as shotgun cartridges.
He also admitted having more than 1,400 rounds of ammunition, seven hand grenades and plastic explosives that were uncovered following his arrest.He also admitted having more than 1,400 rounds of ammunition, seven hand grenades and plastic explosives that were uncovered following his arrest.
The defendant appeared via video link from Bullingdon jail before Judge Richard Marks QC.The defendant appeared via video link from Bullingdon jail before Judge Richard Marks QC.
Shannon spoke only to enter his guilty pleas and the case was adjourned for a psychiatric report.Shannon spoke only to enter his guilty pleas and the case was adjourned for a psychiatric report.
Defence barrister Kevin Hill said Shannon had a psychiatric history that may offer some mitigation in the case.Defence barrister Kevin Hill said Shannon had a psychiatric history that may offer some mitigation in the case.
He told the court: “The concern is post-traumatic stress disorder that may well have some bearing on sentence in this case in terms of mitigation available.He told the court: “The concern is post-traumatic stress disorder that may well have some bearing on sentence in this case in terms of mitigation available.
“It is a case where there might be significant mitigation that would assist the court in the form of psychiatric assessment.”“It is a case where there might be significant mitigation that would assist the court in the form of psychiatric assessment.”
Marks agreed and remanded the defendant in custody until sentencing on 16 December.Marks agreed and remanded the defendant in custody until sentencing on 16 December.
He told the defendant: “It is intended a psychiatric report be obtained to understand something about your background, in particular it is said that you may be suffering from PTSD that may impact on these offences.He told the defendant: “It is intended a psychiatric report be obtained to understand something about your background, in particular it is said that you may be suffering from PTSD that may impact on these offences.
“In the meantime, you will need to remain in custody and I am sure you will understand the fact I am adjourning for a report is not an indication that the case will be dealt with in any other way than immediate imprisonment.“In the meantime, you will need to remain in custody and I am sure you will understand the fact I am adjourning for a report is not an indication that the case will be dealt with in any other way than immediate imprisonment.
“The only issue will be as to the length of the sentence.”“The only issue will be as to the length of the sentence.”
At the time of his arrest, Rob Lewin, head of specialist operations at the NCA, confirmed there was no link to terrorism.At the time of his arrest, Rob Lewin, head of specialist operations at the NCA, confirmed there was no link to terrorism.
Shannon had admitted taking a Diemaco C8 automatic assault rifle and a Sig Sauer P226 semi-automatic handgun from RM Poole in Dorset, as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition, a number of high-explosive hand grenades and a quantity of plastic explosives.Shannon had admitted taking a Diemaco C8 automatic assault rifle and a Sig Sauer P226 semi-automatic handgun from RM Poole in Dorset, as well as thousands of rounds of ammunition, a number of high-explosive hand grenades and a quantity of plastic explosives.
The ammunition included 5.56mm rounds for the assault rifle – high-calibre, high-penetration bullets – and 9mm rounds for Sig Sauer handguns.The ammunition included 5.56mm rounds for the assault rifle – high-calibre, high-penetration bullets – and 9mm rounds for Sig Sauer handguns.
Both weapons are commonly used by the armed forces and law enforcement officers around the world, an NCA spokesman said.Both weapons are commonly used by the armed forces and law enforcement officers around the world, an NCA spokesman said.
Shannon was arrested by officers from the NCA’s armed operations unit, working with the joint operations unit from Thames Valley police and Hampshire constabulary, at a supermarket in Winnall, near Winchester.Shannon was arrested by officers from the NCA’s armed operations unit, working with the joint operations unit from Thames Valley police and Hampshire constabulary, at a supermarket in Winnall, near Winchester.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We take the security of weaponry very seriously and have robust procedures to deter and prevent losses and thefts which are constantly reviewed.A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “We take the security of weaponry very seriously and have robust procedures to deter and prevent losses and thefts which are constantly reviewed.
“In this case it would be inappropriate to comment whilst legal proceedings are ongoing.”“In this case it would be inappropriate to comment whilst legal proceedings are ongoing.”