Essex man caught with loaded gun in Ipswich jailed
The 30-year-old will spend seven years behind bars.
A man who discarded a loaded firearm and drugs while trying to evade police has been jailed for seven years.
Rhys Hennerby, 30, of Hyena Drive in Stanway, Essex, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday, Thursday 19 June.
He was spotted by officers from Suffolk Constabulary’s Sentinel South team on the evening of 20 February in Gaye Street, Ipswich and when they made attempts to approach him, he ran off.
During the subsequent foot-chase, he was seen to discard items from his pocket, and after being detained and arrested, an officer discovered one of the items was a firearm.
Upon further enquiries this was found to be a loaded weapon. Hennerby was also seen to have discarded other items which were discovered to be Class A drugs.
Hennerby pleaded guilty possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply as well as the charge of possession a prohibited firearm. He was given a seven-year prison sentence and ordered to pay a £28 surcharge.
Following his sentencing, Sergeant Dave Logan of the Sentinel South Team, said: “Hennerby was encountered by police after they observed his suspicious behaviour, at this point his identity, history and intent were unknown.
“The officer’s instinct and determination to catch this male was spot on. What they didn’t know was the danger that this male posed to themselves and the public.
“It’s alarming that this male had a loaded, viable firearm in his possession, but I am pleased to say this is a rare occurrence for Suffolk. This case shows the importance of proactive policing and our stop search powers, where weapons are detected prior to being used to harm others.
“The sentence is a stark reminder that violent crime in Ipswich will not be tolerated, and we will do all we can ensure lengthy sentences are handed out by the courts.”