Bulwell woman jailed after gun is found at her home

A search warrant was carried out in Muriel Street in Bulwell at around 10.30am on November 11, 2019.

Officers came across the secret compartment as they began searching a cupboard next to the oven and noted that the occupant, Hannah Howley, 37, became visibly nervous.

Officers removed the oven and recovered the wooden box which contained a dismantled double barrelled shotgun with cartridges and cleaning equipment.

Howley was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and subsequently charged.

She pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday 20 August 2020.

Detective Inspector Ruby Burrow said: "Howley admitted owning this firearm and so knew she was breaking the law by doing so.

"It is our belief that she was storing it to incite fear into other members of the public.

"We will not tolerate firearms offences in Nottinghamshire and those found to be committing these offences will be put before the courts at the earliest opportunity."

*Nottinghamshire Police has advised members of the public that if they discover firearms in a house do not attempt to handle them, as they may be loaded and dangerous. Anyone finding them should ring 101.

If you unexpectedly become the owner of a firearm, you may be eligible to be issued a temporary permit pending your application for a Firearm or Shotgun Certificate.

The temporary permit will allow you to possess the firearm(s) while you legally dispose of them or place them in storage with a registered firearms dealer or with someone who has a Firearm or Shotgun Certificate. To apply for a temporary permit, go to [email protected]

If you are planning to acquire, transfer or dispose of a firearm or shotgun, you are required by law to notify the police force who issued your Firearms or Shotgun Certificate in writing within seven days of any transaction.

Britain has some of the strictest gun control legislation in the world.