Man caught climbing over fence with loaded gun is jailed

A man caught by police with a loaded gun after being seen climbing over a garden fence in the middle of the night has been jailed for 14 years.

Mohammed Alasow, 24, of Mount Pleasant, off Ilford Lane, Ilford, was found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent and ammunition at Snaresbrook Crown Court yesterday (Wednesday).

The court heard on October 21, at around 12.30am, police received reports of a man seen climbing over a garden fence in St Thomas Gardens, Ilford.

The Met Police helicopter tracked his movements using heat source technology and Alasow was stopped and detained by Redbridge officers.

But when police the Air Support Unit reviewed the footage, they noticed Alasow discarding an object.

Officers were sent to the location to search the area and a firearm containing five rounds of live ammunition and fitted with a silencer was recovered.

DNA analysis confirmed the weapon was linked to Alasow.

Following the sentencing, Det Con Mark Ellis, of the Trident and Area Crime Command, said: “Thanks to the quick thinking of the member of the public who spotted Alasow acting suspiciously, this dangerous man is now behind bars for a significant period of time.

“This was an example of excellent teamwork by officers in the police helicopter, local officers on the ground and Trident detectives who investigated the incident.

“The conviction of Mohammed Alasow demonstrates our continued commitment to targeting dangerous criminals who carry firearms.”