Edgbaston man jailed after police find loaded gun in his manbag

A man has been jailed for five years after police found a loaded gun in his manbag – while he was going to see his probation officer.

Jerome Powell was stopped on the Bristol Road in Selly Oak on 16 February and arrested after firearms officers searched him and seized the weapon.

Powell admitted to having a loaded revolver while being detained and told a sergeant at the custody desk there was a bullet inside the gun.

The 26-year-old, of Portland Road, Edgbaston, was charged with possession of a firearm.

He pled guilty and was sentenced to five years in jail at Birmingham Crown Court on Wednesday (20 April).

Chief Inspector Leanne Lowe, from our Regional Organised Crime Unit, said: “He may not have used the weapon, but it’s an offence to be carrying one and I’m pleased Powell’s been put away for his actions.

“Youth violence needs to stop, a key part of that is prevention work as well as intervention and removing dangerous weapons from our streets.

“We will continue to intercept and disrupt criminals who think it’s acceptable to carry guns and knives around. We are also always looking at the bigger picture, targeting organised crime groups and working alongside communities to prevent young people from becoming involved in gun crime.”

A message from the editor:

Thank you for reading. BirminghamWorld is Birmingham’s latest news website, championing everything that is great about our city - reporting on news, lifestyle and sport. We want to start a community among our readers, so please follow us on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram, and keep the conversation going.