05 Dec Couple ran gun factory from home
Partners in crime, who were stopped by police allegedly on their way to rob a prostitute, ran a “cottage industry” gun factory from their home, a court has heard.
Southwark Crown Court heard how Lauren Beck, 32, and boyfriend Jean-Yves Corriette, 37, were allegedly conspiring to rob prostitute Linda Mezővári. Both defendants received legal aid.
The couple, who deny most charges, were pulled over driving a white BMW on April 19th.
Jurors heard a rucksack with cable ties, tape, gloves and a pistol was unearthed from the boot, said to have come from the “conversion” factory they ran from their home, of Flat 12, Townfields in Hatfield.
The couple purchased blank weapons and ammunition online, which they sold after modifying.
The court heard Corriette sent WhatsApp messages about “sweets”.
Prosecutor Harry Hewitt said “Mr Corriette is talking about ammunition, not toffees.” Hewitt highlighted another message from the night of the planned robbery, “I thought you were off to do a madness tonight?”
Corriette pleaded guilty to nine of the 11 counts against him: Three firearms and two weapons charges, two charges of possessing ammunition unlawfully, one charge of conspiring to convert imitation firearms and one charge of possessing articles in connection with conversion.
He denies conspiring to commit robbery and carrying a firearm with intent to commit an offence.
Ms Beck denies all but two charges: Conspiring to convert imitation firearms and possession of articles in connection with conversion.
The trial continues.
