05 Dec London “gun runners” go on trial in London
A pair of alleged illegal gun runners were chased by police in their white BMW after taking part in a suspected armed robbery, a court heard.
Lauren Beck, 32, and boyfriend Jean -Yves Corriette, 37, appeared at Southwark Crown Court to start their trial.
The jury were told that alleged homemade firearms were not only found in their home located at Flat 12, Townfields, in Hatfield, London, but also in Mr Corriette’s elderly mother’s house at 52 Elsden Road in Tottenham. She gasped in shock sitting through the trial.
They were arrested on April 19th, and charged with one count of conspiracy to commit robbery and 10 counts of various offences including possessing firearms and ammunition. Ms Beck pleaded not guilty to all 11 counts, whilst Mr Corriette pleaded guilty to nine counts and not guilty to two.
Through WhatsApp, Mr Corriette sent messages about “sweets” to friends. Prosecutor Harry Hewitt explained, “Mr Corriette isn’t talking about sweets here, but ammunition. He was running a cottage industry gun factory.”
During the initial search of the BMW, an allegedly homemade gun alongside ammunition were found in the passenger’s side, the jury heard.
“They are a threat to the public and this should not be taken lightly,” the prosecutor Mr Hewitt claimed.
The car was seized and after a further search Ms Beck’s handbag was found, revealing a set of keys to a metal tool box which revealed a stun gun inside.
Pillar drills, BB guns and five blank firing handguns were also found at their home.
The trial is still ongoing.
