A loaded gun was abandoned in an alleyway in Bristol after two men fled from the police. The weapon was a 9mm Parabellum self-loading pistol, which is illegal due to its barrel length and self-loading capability. Zachariah Talbert Young, 26, of Carlyle Road, Easton, Bristol, and Paul Elijah Hayden, 21, of Reade Close, Hanham, have been sentenced to five-and-a-half years and five years in prison, respectively, for possessing a prohibited firearm following a trial at Bristol Crown Court.
The incident began when Avon and Somerset Police received multiple calls on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, reporting armed individuals in Easton. One caller described encountering a group of people whom he believed were armed with a gun. Police quickly responded to the area and conducted a search. Three men fled the scene, with one running down an alleyway off Chaplin Road.
Police discovered a bag containing the loaded handgun near an electricity substation in the alleyway around 11pm. The gun was loaded with four rounds of ammunition and was ready to fire. Forensic tests revealed DNA from both Hayden and Talbert Young on the gun’s grip, with Talbert Young’s DNA also found on the working parts of the weapon and the bag it was found in. After 22 months of thorough investigation, including CCTV analysis and mobile phone data examination, both men were found guilty by a jury on Friday, September 13.
During sentencing, Recorder Mr. Tom Brown KC took into consideration Hayden’s age of 18 at the time of the incident and his lack of prior convictions. He mentioned that both men will serve half of their sentences before being released on license. Detective Inspector Jason Chidgey, who led the investigation, expressed relief that gun crimes are rare in the UK but emphasized the danger of young individuals obtaining illegal firearms like the one involved in this case. He stated, “Bristol is a safer place with this weapon and these individuals off our streets.”
The 9mm Parabellum self-loading pistol found in Bristol was deemed prohibited due to its short barrel length and self-loading mechanism. Possessing such a weapon is unlawful in any circumstance. The police highlighted the rarity of gun crime in the UK and the concerning nature of two young men having access to a banned firearm. With the arrests and convictions of Hayden and Talbert Young, the authorities aim to keep Bristol streets safer.
In conclusion, the discovery of a loaded illegal gun in Bristol underscores the importance of stringent firearm regulations and law enforcement efforts to combat gun-related crimes. The successful prosecution of the individuals involved serves as a warning to others who may attempt to possess or use prohibited weapons, ultimately contributing to enhancing public safety and reducing criminal activities in the community.
