Birmingham 3-D gun maker jailed
Tests showed two assault rifles he created could be fired.
A gun maker from Birmingham who used a 3D printer to manufacturer deadly weapons has been sentenced to 5 years behind bars.
David Biddell-Portman, a forklift truck driver from Birmingham, told police he had an interest in the mechanics of guns.
But tests showed two assault rifles he created could be fired.
Det Insp Lisa Jackson, of our priorities team, said:
“This is the first time we’ve recovered a 3D printed firearm in the West Midlands, and so is a really significant find for us.
“We still don’t know what Biddell-Portman had intended to do with the weapons. He told us he had an interest in the mechanics of guns.
“But the reality is that these were deadly weapons which were tested and shown to be capable of firing live ammunition, which could have had deadly consequences.
“We fully appreciate that 3D printers are growing in popularity, and have lots of legitimate uses.
“But people considering using them to manufacture deadly weapons must be put on notice that we will treat them as seriously as any other traditional firearm and they can expect to be given lengthy prison sentences as a result.”