Man jailed after gun and drugs found in Derby

Jermaine Hutchinson, formerly of Underhill Close in Sunny Hill, was arrested after officers noticed him involved in a suspected drug deal on Stockbrook Street on Wednesday 22 July 2022.

They stopped the vehicle he was driving a short time afterwards on Back Sitwell Street and found large quantities of Crack Cocaine in the car.

The 42-year-old also had a key to an address on Castleward Boulevard, where officers found more Crack Cocaine, Cannabis, a handgun and ammunition, cash, designer clothing and expensive jewellery.

On examination the gun, which had been in a jacket pocket, was found to be an 8mm Turkish Retay blank firing pistol which had been converted to allow it to fire modified bulleted cartridges.

Alongside the gun they discovered cartridges containing modified bullets, which when tested with the gun, were found to have the potential to be lethal.

Hutchinson pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition, possession with intent to supply Crack Cocaine, possession of Cannabis and driving without a valid licence or insurance.

He was sentenced to seven years imprisonment at Derby Crown Court on Tuesday 20 June.

Detective Constable Chris Hope said: “This is a great result which was down to the proactive work of officers and led to illegal drugs and a dangerous weapon being taken off the streets of Derby. I’m pleased that Hutchinson has been brought to justice for his actions

“Drug misuse has a negative impact on those who are vulnerable and our wider communities, while the firearm, if used, could have led to serious harm or potentially fatal consequences.”

DC Hope added: “Thankfully the use of illegal firearms in Derbyshire is a rare occurrence but targeting those who have them, and this type of criminality won’t be tolerated.

“We remain committed to tackling serious and organised crime and helping to ensure our area is a safer place to live, work and visit.”

If you believe someone is carrying an illegal firearm or weapon, or have any information about the misuse of drugs anywhere in Derby or Derbyshire, you can report it through our:

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form
• Facebook – send us private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page
• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact
• Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website