Weapons haul including converted firearm seized from home of Luton man

A Luton man who converted blank-firing guns into viable firearms has been jailed after police uncovered a cache of weapons at his home.

Pete Hughes was arrested at a property in Thrales Close, where officers recovered an array of handguns, air rifles, knives and Taser-like devices.

On 4 December 2018, a search warrant was executed at the address by the Eastern Region Special Operations Unit (ERSOU), which initially led officers to a cupboard under the stairs.

Weapons and valuables

Inside was a revolver with ammunition. It had been converted and was capable of firing live rounds.

Further searches of the property led to the discovery of an almost identical weapon which hadn’t yet been altered, along with stun guns disguised as torches, and several hunting knives and swords.

Officers also seized significant cash totalling £3,600, and valuables including Rolex watches.

An investigation was led by ERSOU’s Regional Organised Crime Unit which linked Hughes’ DNA to several of the weapons seized. A mobile phone found inside the address also contained imagery of handguns matching those recovered during the search.

Hughes was charged with multiple offences but denied any wrongdoing.

A lengthy court process eventually led to a trial at Luton Crown Court, where in April he was found guilty of possessing a prohibited handgun, possessing a firearm without a certificate, possessing a gas alarm revolver, and two further counts of possessing a stun gun.

On Friday (5 June) Hughes, 49, now of Hockwell Ring, Luton was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. 

Concerning intent

Chief Inspector James Day said:

“Converted firearms are among the most dangerous weapons police encounter, often untraceable and capable of causing serious harm. “The wide range and nature of the weapons recovered from Hughes’ home were concerning and went beyond simple possession, and although there is no evidence any weapons had been used the circumstances indicated a level of intent that heightened our concerns. “Hughes’ actions posed a clear risk to public safety, and although it has taken time to secure these convictions, this result underlines the importance of bringing such cases to justice.”