March 13, 2015
Three men who admitted possessing a ‘staggering’ array of guns and bullets – as well as dangerous chemicals used to make explosives – have been jailed.
Officers uncovered an arsenal of weaponry including an automatic machine gun, a crossbow, a stun gun, and multiple magazines of ammunition when they searched the home of David Webb, 30, at South Crescent, East Dene, Rotherham.
They also discovered balaclavas and police uniforms in a wardrobe, as well as chemicals and compounds at the address that could be used to make explosives. Further ammunition, chemicals and compounds were found in a unit in Whitelee Road, Rotherham, including a quantity of nitro-glycerine in a locker, which is often used in the manufacture of explosives and is highly dangerous if stored or handled incorrectly.
David was sentenced alongside his brother Robert, 32, also of South Crescent, East Dene, and Natale Lala, 31, of Moorgate Road, Rotherham. All three appeared before Sheffield Crown Court today, Friday 13th March, for sentencing admitting firearms offences at an earlier hearing.
The men were brought to justice following an investigation by South Yorkshire Police and the National Crime Agency.
Rob Lewin, head of the National Crime Agency’s Specialist Operations Unit, said:
“By targeting suppliers like the Webb brothers we have stopped their arsenal of weapons and explosives ending up in the hands of other criminals. I have no doubt they would have been used to commit further crimes, putting lives at risk.
“During a surveillance operation our armed officers watched David Webb deliver a Glock handgun, converted by his brother, to Natale Lala. This triggered a series of events which led to the arrest of all three men, the recovery of firearms, and dangerous chemicals, including nitro-glycerine, which are used to make explosives.
“Today’s sentences are a direct result of our joint working with South Yorkshire Police. Taking firearms off our streets remains a top priority for the NCA and its partners.”
Robert Webb pleaded guilty to firearms offences relating to possession of a handgun, possession of a Carbine assault rifle, possession of a stun gun, possession of ammunition for a Carbine assault rifle and converting a firearm.
He also pleaded guilty to a number of offences under the Explosives Act, including possession of nitro-glycerine and three counts of possessing articles to make explosives.
He was sentenced to seven-and-a-half years behind bars.
David Webb and Lala pleaded guilty to possession of a handgun. They were jailed for five years each.
In 2014, South Yorkshire Police and the National Crime Agency began working on an operation, codenamed Operation Clearview, to identify and apprehend members of a sophisticated firearms ring, which included Lala and the Webb brothers.
On 10 July 2014, police arrested David Webb in his vehicle, after observing him entering a property in Moorgate Road, the home of Lala, with a package.
A short time later, when police raided Lala’s home, they found a Glock handgun and live ammunition. Three people, two men and a woman including Lala, were arrested.
Superintendent Paul McCurry from Rotherham said:
“This is a great result for Rotherham and indeed, the whole of South Yorkshire.
“Three men who have admitted to possessing dangerous weapons are now behind bars and subsequently, our streets are a little safer.
“I must thank our colleagues at the National Crime Agency, who have been a fantastic asset and support throughout our investigation.”
A 30-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man were also charged with offences under the Firearms Act but the case against them was discontinued and the charges dropped.