A MAN from Cumbria has been sentenced to five years in prison for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Stephen Williamson, 42, of Station Road, Penrith, was sentenced at Carlisle Crown Court on Tuesday.

Williamson was found guilty of possession of ammunition without a certificate, possession of prohibited ammunition and possession of a firearm without a certificate.

The offences were discovered when police conducted a warrant at his home address in June 2015. The following unlawfully held items were found:

• Working parts, bolt assembly and trigger from an ‘SLR’ military self-loading rifle

• 131 rounds of 9mm ammunition which is ‘expanding’ Jacketed Soft Point

• 71 rounds of 9mm ammunition and two rounds of .38 Special ammunition

Detective Constable Richard Massey said: “To own a firearms licence is a privilege and one which comes with great responsibility. This prosecution shows that Cumbria Constabulary will bring those who illegally hold firearms or ammunition to justice.

“Those who have an interest in owning a firearm must hold a licence to do so. The licencing is there to protect members of the public from the tragic consequences or misuse of firearms. There simply is no excuse for holding firearms without the correct accreditation.

“I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the community that Cumbria Constabulary work hard to make sure those that are registered firearms owners maintain the conditions of their licence and that we investigate any allegation of illegal firearm ownership or licence non-compliance.”