Billy Sturgeon pleaded guilty to
possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence; three counts of
possession with intent to supply class A drugs; one count of possession of
criminal property; and possession of a firearm (a Taser).
A warrant was executed at Sturgeon’s home
address last June after intelligence was received that he had been dealing drugs.
As officers entered, they saw Sturgeon discard a number of items
from a loft window. These were seized and later found to contain class A drugs.
Sturgeon was arrested and officers began scouring the property.
They discovered numerous quantities of class A drugs wrapped in broken carrier bags, cling film and snap bags, as well as drugs paraphernalia including weighing scales, a burner phone and nearly £3,000 cash.
In a spare bedroom, a loaded shotgun was found with two
cartridges inside. A Taser was recovered on top of a chest of drawers near the
front door.
During police interview, Sturgeon gave no comment. He was
charged and remanded in custody.
Detective Constable Leah Brough, Specialist Crime
(Trident), said: “The weight of evidence against Sturgeon left him with
no choice but to plead guilty.
“The estimated street value of the drugs seized, including
cocaine, crack cocaine and heroin, was nearly £20,000. On examination of the
burner phone, police found an array of messages from people placing orders for
drugs.
“The shotgun and Taser were seized for specialist
examination and will be destroyed. They are clear proof of the inextricable
link between drugs and the violence that blights communities and destroys
lives. The cash was also ordered for forfeiture.
“We are doing everything in our power to investigate and bring offenders to justice. Anyone who engages in similar activity can look at this story and be assured that they too could find themselves in prison.”