A MAN from New Addington who police caught carrying a handgun and a lock knife in a minicab has been jailed for five years and eight months.
Jordan Battick, of Cudham Drive, was handed the sentence at Croydon Crown Court on September 4 after he pleaded guilty to possessing the firearm and knife.
The unemployed 23-year-old was stopped by armed police acting on intelligence as he traveled in the minicab in Gravel Hill on June 5. Officers found the handgun wrapped in a flannel inside a bag Battick had with him.
Detective Constable Tom Sole, from Croydon CID, who carried out the investigation, said: "This should send a clear message that if you carry guns or knives in Croydon or London, then you will be targeted by the police. Gun crime has reduced significantly in Croydon over the past year, but we will not be letting up in our efforts to reduce it even further.
"I'd also urge anyone who may have information about those who may be carrying or using guns to get in touch with police or Crimestoppers so that we can take action."
Anyone with information about those involved in the use or possession of firearms can call police on 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
