Man found with shotgun, ammo and heroin in St Leonards is jailed

Sussex Police has praised an alert member of the public who played a key role in a man being jailed for nine-and-a-half years.
John Robinson. Photo courtesy of Sussex Police. SUS-160726-090512001John Robinson. Photo courtesy of Sussex Police. SUS-160726-090512001
John Robinson. Photo courtesy of Sussex Police. SUS-160726-090512001

John Robinson, 55, formerly of St Leonards-on-Sea but latterly of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon, possession of ammunition and possession of Class A heroin with intent to supply when he appeared at Hove Crown Court on Monday (July 18)

He was sentenced to seven years for the firearm offence, three years concurrent for possessing ammunition, and 30 months consecutive for the drug offence.

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Shortly before 1pm on Saturday, May 21 an anonymous caller reported seeing a man - Robinson - injecting himself in the leg in Market Street, St Leonards, police said.

Officers were quickly on scene and carried out a search under the Misuse of Drugs Act. A holdall beside him was found to contain a dismantled shotgun wrapped in towels, several cartridges, white tablets and a large amount of cash. In his jacket pocket police found a quantity of heroin.

The sentence was imposed by His Honour Judge David Rennie.

Afterwards, Detective Constable Rob Tillyer, of Hastings CID, who led the investigation, praised the person who had acted on his suspicions about Robinson and contacted police. He said: “Through this timely information officers were able to detain Robinson quickly and safely.

“Detectives then sought a fast-track charging authority and remand application which was supported by the courts.”

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DC Tillyer added: “The sentence recognises the serious nature of the offences that Robinson committed and the incident is a very real demonstration of how the community is a key part of policing.

“If you see something suspicious, please do contact the police on 101 or through our website. In an emergency, dial 999.”

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