Cambuslang man jailed for setting up gun shop from his bedroom
A man who set up a gun shop from his bedroom in Cambuslang has been jailed for five years.
A man who set up a gun shop from his bedroom in Cambuslang has been jailed for five years.
Jamie McCort sparked a UK-wide police probe after selling weapons via a specialist firearms website.
The illegal haul included a Black Ops sniper air-rifle as well as gas pistols and revolvers.
McCort also ordered in CS gas canisters and a Taser device.
But, the 33 year-old was snared when a gun enthusiast spotted one of the weapons for sale and alerted police.
McCort today returned to the High Court in Glasgow after pleading guilty to a total of 17 charges last month.
It was claimed McCort turned to crime having become “a recluse” at his parents house in Cambuslang near the city following an earlier assault.
Judge Lady Rae told him: “What makes this matter so serious is the number of weapons involved.”
In January this year, McCort advertised a starter pistol for sale on the Gunstar website – popular amongst weapons collectors.
One man read the listing and believed the firearm may be “prohibited” before contacting police.
A screenshot was sent to police who confirmed the weapon was illegal to import into the UK.
Officers went on to initially discover a Black Ops sniper air rifle capable of firing pellets. A silencer and telescopic sight was attached.
Two revolvers which could discharge pepper spray were also seized along with live blank cartridges.
Officers went on to find in McCort's room a working electric stun gun along with CS gas canisters.
McCort later admitted that he had bought the items from a French website.
It was then discovered a haul of gas pistols had been sold to 14 different people.
Prosecutor Bernard Ablett said: “He stated that he only sold with the UK, but could not provide details of his customer base.”
A total of 23 different police forces across the country were called upon to trace those who had bought the weapons.
The court heard all but four of the pistols were recovered.
McCort also told police that he was expecting delivery of two more firearms at his house.
The packages were intercepted and found to be German revolver-style weapons capable of discharging “irritant gas cartridges”.
McCort pled guilty to a total of 17 charges including selling prohibited weapons.
Shahid Latif, defending, today/yesterday said a previous attack on McCort had been “catastrophic” for him with his parents describing their son as a “recluse”.
But, the lawyer added: “The clang of the prison gates has a had a salutary effect on him.”