Man accused of smuggling weapons

A Manchester man is accused of being the ringleader of a gang which smuggled flare guns into the UK to convert into lethal weapons, a court has heard.

The weapons, known as alarm guns, were bought in Germany and brought to a factory in Manchester where they were modified to fire live ammunition.

Preston Crown Court heard Michael Sammon, 49, was part of a plan to flood streets in the North with guns.

He denies organising, smuggling, converting and selling the guns.

The court was told a total of 274 revolvers and pistols were thought to have been smuggled into the UK between 2004 and 2005.

The weapons were sold for up to £750 with ammunition after being bought in Germany for €50.

'Grandiose' plans

Philip Curran, prosecuting, said: "The weapons were destined to be sold at a substantial profit to any criminal who wanted to buy them.

"There can be no doubt those weapons are lethal and sadly lives have been lost."

Mr Sammon had "grandiose" plans to establish another factory in Spain, the prosecution said.

Mr Curran added: "You boasted you put up the money for the business and you took an active role in it."

The packages were sent to fake addresses in Greater Manchester to be forwarded to a return address for the gang.

In July 2005, a shopkeeper alerted the authorities after opening a package, containing nine revolvers.

Factory raid

It was left at his premises after it was not delivered to one of the false addresses.

Police then raided a factory in Pollard Street, Ancoats, Manchester, run by David McCulloch.

The court heard he became involved when Mr Sammon and an acquaintance, Robert Tyrer, asked him to convert guns to fire live ammunition.

The jury was told Mr Tyrer and Mr McCulloch had pleaded guilty to various firearm offences.

Mr Sammon denies conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to danger life, conspiracy to import prohibited firearms, conspiracy to manufacture firearms and conspiracy to possess ammunition.

His partner Fiona McIntyre, of Southsea, denies assisting an offender along with Colin Hughes, 43, of Bedford Road, and Anthony Key, 48, of Commonside, both in Lytham, Lancashire.

Andrew Thorley, 34, of Park Road, Denton, denies conspiracy to manufacture firearms.

The trial continues.