Man jailed after shotgun with his DNA found in electrical cupboard by engineer

A man has been jailed for six and a half years for firearms offences after an engineer found two guns in an electrical cupboard in Clapham.

Rashorn Evans, 26, of the Loughborough Estate in Lambeth, was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after a three-day trial at Inner London Crown Court on Thursday, February 17.

Detective Constable Imran Hansraj, Specialist Crime, said: “Those responsible for hiding the weapons likely thought they had chosen a good spot where these could be kept undiscovered until needed for some nefarious activity, but he didn’t count on the methods we have at our disposal to identify and apprehend those who are involved in firearms activity.”

A specialist investigation was launched after police were called at around 9.30am on October 5, 2020 by an engineer, who was carrying out works in an electrical cupboard in Stonhouse Street in Clapham.

When he opened the cabinet he discovered a sawn off shotgun with cartridges and a handgun with its magazine located.

The shotgun was found in three parts concealed inside a black plastic bag, with five cartridges and the handgun was found to be a black ‘Jager Pistole DPR Angem’ with one magazine.

The engineer called police who removed the firearms to examine them. Both firearms were tested and were found to work.

Police found a complete DNA profile on the shotgun, which was found to be Evans’.

He was arrested in March 2021 and answered no comment to all questions he was asked during interview.

As they investigated officers found two drill music videos in which Evans could be seen imitating holding and firing a shotgun.

DC Hansraj added: “The quick and responsible call to the police by this engineer has very likely resulted in the prevention of incredibly serious violence somewhere down the line – even in lives being saved. We’re very grateful to him for his support.

“Evans meanwhile is behind bars for a significant amount of time. That is the message this sentencing sends out – if you are involved in firearms activity we will investigate, we will find you and you will go to prison.”