Notts woman hid double-barreled shotgun behind her oven

A search warrant was carried out at Hannah Howley’s Bulwell home at around 10.30am on November 11, 2019.

Officers came across a secret compartment as they began searching a cupboard next to the oven and noted that Howley, 37, became visibly nervous.

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Officers removed the oven and recovered the wooden box which contained a dismantled double barreled shotgun with cartridges and cleaning equipment.

Howley, of Muriel Street, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and subsequently charged.

She pleaded guilty to the offence and was sentenced to nine months behind bars at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday, August 20.

Detective Inspector Ruby Burrow, of Nottinghamshire Police, said after the sentencing hearing: "Howley admitted owning this firearm and so knew she was breaking the law by doing so.

"It is our belief that she was storing it to insight fear into other members of the public.

"We will not tolerate firearms offences in Nottinghamshire and those found to be committing these offences will be put before the courts at the earliest opportunity," he added.

To report crime in your area call Notinghamshire Police on 101 or the charity Crimestoppers, anonymously and in confidence, on 0800 555111.

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