Internet Salesman Convicted Of Gun Charges

An illegal online gun trader has been convicted of selling firearms that could fire CS gas and other substances after an investigation by Scotland Yard's Central Intelligence Unit.

Butcher John Rhodes, 37, of London Street, Fleetwood, Lancashire initially fought the charges, but pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court to twenty-three counts and was bailed to return for sentencing on March 28.

The court heard Rhodes placed ads on a site called 'Gunstar' for a variety of firearms, typically selling them for £150-£250.

They were usually advertised as blank-firing guns that did not require a firearms licence and customers incuded a Colt 45 purchaser, who needed the gun for a World War Two re-enactment.

Rhodes' online identity was 'Johnshotgun' and 'JJMilitaria' and after opening the 'Gunstar' account in 2010 he then set up a second account on another firearms website in 2011.

Police raided his address on September 30, 2011 and Rhodes, who is not the holder of a firearms certificate, told officer he bought the weapons from abroad and thought they were legal.

He estimted his total sales were in the region of fifty firearms and started the business: “To make a couple of quid.”

The charges, all on or before September 13, 2011, relate to a Umarex Walther P22; Retay Desert Eagle; three Umarex Colt 1911's; Zoraki 925; Walther P22 forearm.

Rohm RG3; Ekol Viper; Heckler & Koch P30 Walther PP; Ekol Jackal Dual.

Colt 1911; Ekol Special 99; Colt Government 1911; Ekol Jackal Dual blank-firing pistol; Walther P22 blank-firing pistol.

Colt 45 blank-firing pistol; Colt 45 blank-firing pistol; Saver P239 blank-firing pistol; Walther P99 blank-firing pistol; Ekol Viper; Heckler & Koch MPSK-PDW air weapon and a Walther P22 blank-firing pistol.