Thornton Cleveleys man, 36, admits ferrying gun to UK

4:11pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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A man caught with a gun and ammunition in his luggage on a fight from Spain has today been sentenced to 28 days imprisonment, suspended for 12 months.

On September 21 last year, following anonymous information received by Blackpool Airport security staff, a passenger arriving on a flight from Gerona, Spain, was found to be in possession of a 9mm semi automatic blank firing hand gun and 9mm blank ammunition.

Karl Crookall, 39, from Thornton Cleveleys, was arrested by Lancashire officers on suspicion of firearms offences and offences under the Aviation Security Act and was later charged with the offences and bailed.

He appeared before Blackpool Magistrates on the January 28, this year, and pleaded guilty to possessing the dangerous article.

As a result the judge today gave sentence and also placed a 12 month prohibition on Mr Crookall who was the holder of a firearms licence, preventing him from having contact with any firearms.

Detective Constable Graham Wharrier, said: "This is not a terrorist related incident nor is it gangland linked but is still a very serious offence.

"Carriers of any form of recognised firearm, drugs or other illegal goods coming through Blackpool airport should be aware that the airport is nationally recognised as being policed to the highest standard and you will be identified, arrested and prosecuted.

"Although naivety may have played a role on this occasion, it is no defence and my advice to people wishing to bring home items with any resemblance to a firearm or any other offensive weapon is simply not to do so."