Two jailed after pistol and bullets found at house

Martin Wells, 56, of Silverdale Close in Guiseley, bought the automatic self-loading handgun from a militaria fair in London almost a decade ago, but soon after purchasing it for more than 600 he sold it on to his friend, Brian Teesdale.

Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday that a change in the law after Wells bought the fully-working 60-year-old weapon meant anyone found in possession of it could face a minimum five-year prison term.

Wells later told police that after owning the handgun for about six months he panicked and sold it on to Teesdale in order to recoup some of the money instead of handing it in.

Last November, officers visited Teesdale's home in Park Mount Avenue and he handed over the handgun, which was kept in a cupboard under the stairs.

A search unearthed eight live bullets for the handgun, a manual about guns and a holster.

Teesdale, 55, admitted buying the ammunition for the weapon, but both he and Wells said they had never fired it while it was in their possession.

Teesdale was jailed for three years after he admitted possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition.

Wells was locked up for 18 months for selling a prohibited weapon.