Man jailed over 'loaded gun' pen

West's actions were described by police as "very disturbing"

A man who tried to sell a loaded gun which was manufactured to look like a pen has been jailed for five years.

Hugh Anthony West, 40, of Radstock Close, Fallowfield, pleaded guilty at Manchester Crown Court to possessing a firearm and ammunition.

He was arrested on 4 August after trying to sell the unusual weapon to a stranger on Wilmslow Road, Rusholme.

He told the man that the device would fire when a bullet was inserted and the pin pulled, police said.

Det Con Victoria Wilson, of Greater Manchester Police, said: "It is very concerning that West would approach a stranger and attempt to sell a potentially lethal weapon.

"This sort of weapon is easy to hide and could have fallen into the wrong hands, so it is fortunate that the man reported West's behaviour straight away so officers could arrest him and ensure another gun has been taken out of circulation."