A man has been sentenced to more than five years in prison after pleading guilty to firearms offences.

Jordan Wheater, aged 27, from South Terrace in Middlesbrough, was sentenced on Wednesday, February 21, at Teesside Crown Court after pleading guilty to offences including possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of a firearm in a public place. 

Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET) investigated following a number of homemade firearms and ammunition being recovered in Middlesbrough throughout 2023.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Matt Hollingsworth, from Cleveland Police Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, said: “Anyone who is found to be in possession of firearms, imitation firearms or ammunition can expect to be subject to criminal proceedings.

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“We won’t tolerate behaviour which puts others in danger by bringing illegal weapons into our communities. Anyone that knows the location of illegal firearms can report it to the police or anonymously via Crimestoppers.”

Jordan Wheater was sentenced to five years and four months in prison.

Reports can be made to Cleveland Police on 101 or to Crimestoppers anonymously online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.