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Six years for city's most wanted man
CHRISTOPHER Monfredi became Sheffield's most wanted man after a mob accused him of masterminding the killing of gangland murder victim Lester Divers.
The 40-year-old stashed two automatic guns at his house in Hillsborough and left one loaded in case of an attack by people who believed he was responsible for the murder.
Today he is starting a six year jail term after admitting possessing the firearms to protect his life.
Monfredi feared he would be killed after being arrested in connection with the murder of nightclub promoter Mr Divers, who was shot dead on New Years Day last year.
Monfredi was released without charge but friends of Mr Divers believed he was the organiser of the killing, claim police.
In the weeks after the death he suffered several attacks on his home - on one occasion a stolen car was set on fire and driven into the property.
In two other attacks a huge firework was thrown through a window, causing extensive damage. No-one was ever charged with the attacks.
Monfredi, who moved to Palma, Majorca, shortly after the murder, admitted charges of possessing a semi-automatic pistol and semi automatic shotgun with intent to cause fear of violence.
He was caught after police raided his home just weeks after he returned from the Spanish holiday island in December last year.
Police say they hope the sentence will bring to an end the dispute between the friends of Lester Divers and those they accuse of his murder.
Two men were jailed for life for the killing and another man was acquitted by a jury at Sheffield Crown Court last year.
Det Supt Kevin Hardy said: "We are hopeful this will calm matters down. Monfredi is behind bars and another man who Mr Divers' friends accuse of murder is on remand for another matter.
"The sentence reflects the seriousness of gun crime, which is becoming more and more common in our major cities."
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 23 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 11 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North east
