Newport teenager made 3D-printed semi-automatic weapon
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Owain Roberts, 19, is the first person in Gwent to be prosecuted for the offence after pleading guilty to manufacturing a part/component of a firearm.
A Newport teenager who bought several items capable of manufacturing an illegal but viable semi-automatic weapon has been jailed for almost five years.
Owain Roberts, 19, purchased nuts and bolts, steel barrels and metal rods online and used a 3D printer to make parts of an FGC-9 gun.
In this first case of its kind in Gwent, Roberts admitted manufacturing a part/component of a firearm and appeared at Cardiff Crown Court on Thursday 14 November.
In April this year, officers, including specially-trained firearms officers, carried out two warrants at addresses in Newport linked to the defendant.
Among the items seized were a 3D printer, two laptops, six plastic reels, 3D printed metal barrels and firearm compartments of an FCG-9.
PC Tom Meazey, the officer in the case, from Gwent Police’s East Serious Organised Crime team, said:
“Illegally-held firearms can lead to tragic consequences and devastate innocent people’s lives.
"To own a firearm, including a printable one, is illegal in the UK without a valid firearms certificate.
“Roberts did not have one and his reckless and thoughtless actions in buying items capable of manufacturing a firearm have the potential to put people at the direct risk of harm.
“Fortunately, investigations of this type are rare – the first of its kind for our service – and we’re grateful to the support of the National Crime Agency (NCA) during this complex enquiry.”
Roberts was sentenced to four years and nine months imprisonment.
