Trial set for Black Country pair who deny possessing Luger gun and ammunition near motorway services
A trial date has been set for two men accused of possessing a firearm and ammunition.
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Ricardo Thomas, 32, of St Albans Road, Smethwick and Charles Akelle, 32, St Annes Road, Wolverhampton, were apprehended in Warwick on October 27, allegedly possessing a pistol and ammunition.
A car driving down the M40 was stopped by police as part of Operation Target near Warwick services.
It contained a gun, which was confiscated by the police - a P80 9mm Luger self-loading pistol, which had a barrel less than 30 centimetres in length - and the ammunition, namely 15 9mm live parabellum rounds which require a certificate under the Firearms Act 1968.
The pair appeared before Birmingham Crown Court on Monday and pleaded not guilty to charges of possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition which were brought by the West Midlands Police Regional Organised Crime Unit.
A trial has been set for April 22, 2024, at Birmingham Crown Court.