Pair who bought handguns in Sheffield jailed after M1 police chase
The two had travelled from Warwickshire to South Yorkshire to buy the firearms
Two men who bought handguns in Sheffield, before being arrested following a police chase on the M1, have been jailed.
34 year old Joseph Steele and 24 year old Shera Virk had both travelled from their homes in Warwickshire to make the purchase in March 2023.
Police on patrol in Nottinghamshire spotted a vehicle with cloned plates at Trowell Services at around 9:45pm on March 30.
The Ford Ranger failed to stop and crashed following a short chase.
Police discovered a case with three handguns inside on the back seat.
Both Steel and Virk were convicted of possession of firearms and possession of prohibited ammunition at Sheffield Crown Court, with Virk also found guilty of dangerous driving.
Steele will serve nine years, with Virk handed eight behind bars.
Further suspects were also identified in the same case, in a conspiracy to manufacture and supply firearms.
Detective Constable Amelia Hicklin, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
“The initial stop by Operational Support officers was an extremely impressive piece of proactive police work.
“Their alertness and skill on duty allowed us to apprehend these two suspects and take dangerous weapons off the streets and out of harm’s way.
“It also prompted a robust and wider investigation with colleagues from other forces.
“Thankfully, firearms offences are extremely rare in Nottinghamshire and we are proactive in our efforts to take these weapons off the streets and keep the public safe from the devastating consequences of gun crime.”