Adrian Farrow defends in firearms case

September 1, 2015

Andrew Farrow from Exchange Chambers has defended a 21 year old man who built up an arsenal of weapons, including a submachine gun in a firearms case.

Dominic Birch was caught after police intercepted a package containing an Uzi heading to his house in Buxton, Derbyshire.

Jurors at Derby Crown Court found him guilty of possessing firearms with intent to endanger life.

He also pleaded guilty to importing firearms and ammunitions illegally, all of which were sourced through the Silk Road and paid for using Bitcoins.

In mitigation for Birch, Adrian Farrow said there was “no evidence that he would have used any of the firearms at any point”.

He was jailed for 11 years.

Birch had pleaded guilty to an offence relating to the importation of illegal firearms and drugs possession and supply offences, and was due to be sentenced on those charges.

However, while he was on bail, police received further intelligence he had bought more weapons.

They then searched his home and work addresses and seized loaded weapons including a Glock pistol, AK47 type weapon, FEG self-loading pistol and a Skorpion submachine gun.  Hundreds of rounds of live ammunition were also found.