Cambuslang man set-up illegal gun shop from his bedroom
A Cambuslang man, who was living with his parents, sparked a UK-wide police probe after setting up a gun shop from his bedroom.
A Cambuslang man, who was living with his parents, sparked a UK-wide police probe after setting up a gun shop from his bedroom.
Jamie McCort imported weapons from France before selling them via a specialist firearms website.
His 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.
The 33 year-old turned to crime having been an out-of-work tyre fitter.
But, he was snared when a gun enthusiast spotted one of the weapons for sale and alerted police.
McCort is now behind bars after he pled guilty to a string of firearms charges at the High Court in Glasgow.
He was remanded in custody pending sentencing next month.
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 Scotland's Head of Ballistic Services, who confirmed the weapon was illegal to import into the UK.
This sparked a raid at the home McCort shared with his parents in Cambuslang.
Police initially discovered in his bedroom 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.
Sentencing was deferred for reports until next month.