Luton man jailed after police uncover converted firearms and weapons
Investigation linked 49-year-old to illegal guns, stun devices and other prohibited weapons found during a search of his home
Last updated 10th Jun 2026
A Luton man has been sentenced to five years in prison after police discovered a collection of firearms and weapons at his property, including a converted blank-firing gun capable of discharging live ammunition.
49-year-old Pete Hughes, was arrested following a police operation at a home in Thrales Close on 4 December 2018. Officers from the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU) executed a search warrant and quickly located a revolver and ammunition hidden in a cupboard beneath the stairs. Investigators established that the weapon had been modified to fire live rounds.
A more extensive search of the property uncovered another similar firearm that had not yet been converted, along with stun guns disguised as torches, several hunting knives, and swords.
Officers also seized £3,600 in cash and luxury items, including Rolex watches.
The investigation was carried out by ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit. Forensic examinations linked Hughes’ DNA to a number of the weapons recovered, while a mobile phone found at the address contained images of handguns matching those seized by police.
Although Hughes denied the allegations against him, he was prosecuted on multiple firearms-related offences.
Following a trial at Luton Crown Court in April, he was convicted of possessing a prohibited handgun, possessing a firearm without the required certificate, possessing a gas alarm revolver, and two counts relating to possession of stun guns.
At a sentencing hearing on 5 June, Hughes, now living in Hockwell Ring, Luton, was handed a five-year prison term.
Chief Inspector James Day said: “Converted firearms are among the most dangerous weapons police encounter, often untraceable and capable of causing serious harm. The wide range and nature of the weapons recovered from Hughes’ home were concerning and went beyond simple possession, and although there is no evidence any weapons had been used the circumstances indicated a level of intent that heightened our concerns.
“Hughes’ actions posed a clear risk to public safety, and although it has taken time to secure these convictions, this result underlines the importance of bringing such cases to justice.”