Carlisle man jailed after using 3D printer to print a gun
He's been jailed for over five years
Last updated 30th Apr 2026
A man from Carlisle who used a 3D printer to print a semi-automatic gun has been jailed for five years and three months.
Craig Sparrow, 32, of Burn Street, Longtown, has been sentenced after pleading guilty to firearms and drugs offences.
Carlisle Crown Court heard how officers conducted a warrant at Sparrow's address in October 2023.
They found a semi-automatic FGC-9 MK 2 firearm, and a 9mm calibre semi-automatic rifle which Sparrow had made with his 3D printer.
They also found instructions he'd downloaded off the internet on how to make the firearm and a cannabis farm with 12 plants worth an estimated £5,000.
Evidence was found on Sparrow's electronic devices of drug dealing, including messages on his snapchat.
One message stated “Banging weed get it while it lasts. All amounts available.”
A selfie of Sparrow in a Deadpool mask holding the gun he made was also found.
Detectives say files recovered showed Sparrow was planning to create a Smith and Wesson Military and Police (SWMP) Firearm; ammunition for the FCG-9; and a rifled barrel.
He pleaded guilty to: two counts of manufacturing a firearm: two counts of possessing a firearm; possession with intent to supply a Class B drug (Cannabis); and production of a Class B drug (Cannabis).
“While 3D printing technology has legitimate uses, this case shows how it can be exploited"
Detective Chief Inspector Kelly Wild said:
“Sparrow had no option but to plead guilty. Officers recovered fingerprints from the FGC-9 firearm and uncovered extensive internet searches relating to 3D-printed guns, alongside records showing specialist components purchased online.
“Forensic firearms experts were able to assemble a functional FGC 9 MKII from the two lower receivers recovered.
"With the addition of laboratory reference parts, the weapon was capable of firing live ammunition and posed a significant risk to public safety.
"I’ve no doubt that this investigation prevented a highly dangerous firearm from entering communities and causing potential harm.
“While 3D printing technology has legitimate uses, this case shows how it can be exploited by criminals with extremely serious consequences."