Sheffield man jailed for five years after being caught with gun on city estate

Ben Hodson, aged 22, was spotted by police officers carrying a bag which was found to contain a six shot revolver.

MURDER: Friends and family to say final farewell at funeral of Sheffield murder victimHodson was seen on Wulfric Place, Manor, with a drawstring bag across his body.

CRIME: Woman interviewed by police over racial abuse hurled at Sheffield takeaway workerHe was talking to somebody in a blue Ford Focus and as officers approached him he fled.

POLICE: Man, aged 29, charged with sexually assaulting on-duty police officer in SheffieldBut Hodson, of Dagnam Place, Arbourthorne, ended up discarding the bag he was carrying after it became caught on a gas meter as he was running away.

The bag was seized and the gun inside was examined and linked back to Hodson, who managed to loose officers during the chase.

Hodson was later arrested and initially denied the offence but pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm during a hearing at Sheffield Crown Court last week.

Detective Constable Steve Hemsley, from South Yorkshire Police, said: "Hodson is now starting a five-year prison sentence for merely being in possession of a firearm.

"Had he used the weapon, the consequences could have been fatal and he would have been facing a lifetime behind bars. I hope admitting his guilt and the sentence he has received will give him time to think about his actions and the life changing consequences being involved in illegal and criminal activity can have."

DC Hemsley added: "We will not tolerate the illegal use of firearms in our city, and we are committed in bringing all those who choose to be involved in criminality before the courts to be appropriately dealt with.

"I would ask anyone who is concerned about suspicious behaviour or illegal activity in their area to please get in touch with the police or anonymously contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111."