Tri-Service

Reservist Facing 'Considerable' Jail Term Over Arms Offences

A Royal Marine reservist is facing a "considerable" jail sentence after stealing a cache of firearms, grenades, plastic explosive and thousands of rounds of ammunition from a military base.

Martin Shannon, 43, was arrested by armed officers outside a supermarket in Winnall, near Winchester, on September 1 after an undercover operation headed by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

The married defendant, who was said to be suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, admitted 15 offences at the Old Bailey, including selling some of the guns during the covert sting.

Defence barrister Kevin Hill said Shannon had a psychiatric history which may offer some mitigation in the case. He told the court:

"The concern is post-traumatic stress disorder that may well have some bearing on sentence in this case in terms of mitigation available. It is a case where there might be significant mitigation that would assist the court in the form of psychiatric assessment."

Shannon, of Hayley Close, Hythe, near Southampton, had taken a Diemaco (C8) automatic assault rifle and a semi-automatic Sig Sauer P226 handgun from RM Poole (pictured above) in Dorset.

He also pocketed thousands of rounds of ammunition, seven high-explosive hand grenades and plastic explosive, which were all recovered following his arrest.

The ammunition included 5.56mm rounds for the assault rifle - high calibre, high penetration bullets - and 9mm rounds for Sig Sauer handguns. Both weapons are commonly used by militaries and law enforcement around the world.

Shannon pleaded guilty to transferring the assault rifle, pistol and a sawn-off shotgun and cartridges. He also admitted possession of more ammunition, seven hand grenades and plastic explosive.

Judge Marks remanded the defendant in custody until sentencing on December 16. He told Shannon:

"It is intended a psychiatric report be obtained to understand something about your background, in particular it is said that you may be suffering from PTSD that may impact on these offences.

"In the meantime, you will need to remain in custody and I am sure you will understand the fact I am adjourning for a report is not an indication that the case will be dealt with in any other way than immediate imprisonment.

"The only issue will be as to the length of the sentence."

The defendant appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from Bullingdon jail in Oxfordshire before Judge Richard Marks QC. Sporting bushy sideburns and wearing a black and white shirt, he spoke only to enter his guilty pleas.

Shannon was arrested by officers from the NCA's Armed Operations Unit, working with the Joint Operations Unit from Thames Valley Police and Hampshire Constabulary. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said:

"We take the security of weaponry very seriously and have robust procedures to deter and prevent losses and thefts which are constantly reviewed. In this case it would be inappropriate to comment whilst legal proceedings are ongoing."

At the time of his arrest, Rob Lewin, head of specialist operations at the NCA, confirmed there was no link to terrorism.

Shannon pleaded guilty to two counts of having an explosive substance; three counts of transferring a prohibited weapon; one of transferring prohibited ammunition; eight counts of possession of ammunition and one charge of possessing a shotgun without a firearms certificate.