A drug dealer arrested over the seizure of a sawn-off shotgun four years ago skipped bail but was then caught again with a taser.
James Ashton, of no fixed address, was first arrested in 2018 after a joint operation between Gloucestershire Police and Merseyside Police in Liverpool led to the seizure of the shortened shotgun from inside a vehicle.
Ashton, 33, was released on bail but went on the run for another two years. However, on March 15, 2020, he was picked up after officers from Avon and Somerset Police in Weston-super-Mare stopped a suspicious vehicle with Ashton in the passenger seat.
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Police found Ashton in possession of cannabis, more than £1,000 in cash, and a car key for a Mini which had been stolen from the Merseyside area. Officers later recovered the Mini and discovered a taser covered with Ashton’s fingerprints.
Analysis of a phone found in his possession revealed multiple text messages relating to drug dealing. PC Charlie Gates, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Crimes in drug and firearms can cause misery within communities and I am sure this significant sentence well be welcomed by the community.
“Avon and Somerset Police is committed to getting drugs off the streets and holding those to account who engage in this illegal activity."
Ashton admitted six offences, including being concerned in the supply of cocaine, possession of cannabis with intent to supply, possession of a shotgun and possession of the taser. He also admitted Bail Act offences.
He appeared in Bristol Crown Court on Thursday October 13, and was jailed for seven and a half years.
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