Menu
05/12/2012
Arms Dealer Convicted Over Illegal Gun Deal
A UK arms dealer has been jailed for seven years for his part in a deal to ship thousands of AK47 assault rifles and millions of rounds of ammunition from China to Nigeria.
43-year-old Gary Hyde was sentenced at Southwark crown court in London after being convicted on two counts of breaching UK trade controls and concealing criminal property.
The court heard how Hyde, of Newton on Derwent, near York, moved the weapons without a licence and hid more than $1m (£620,460) in commission payments.
Hyde legitimately ran and expanded wholesale business York Guns to the point where it employed 20 staff in 2003 and helped broker various arms deals including some for the British government.
But in 2006 Hyde got involved in the deal between China and Nigeria, the court heard.
The deal between Beijing and Abuja was lawful, but Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith said as the middleman, Hyde was caught out by his own greed.
He failed to apply for a licence to take part in the deal, fearing it would be refused, but was attracted by the "enormous profits" to be made, the judge said.
"You got carried away by the enormous profits that could be made elsewhere and, it would seem, in some less responsible company,” the Judge said.
"Applying for a licence would have been easy. There was no evidence you would have got one, the question was never asked. I suspect you thought you would not.
"If you had, you would have also been concerned about the UK authorities finding out about your very substantial earnings."
Hyde, a former special constable, was convicted after a retrial of two counts of becoming knowingly concerned in the movement of controlled goods between March 2006 and December 2007.
(H)
43-year-old Gary Hyde was sentenced at Southwark crown court in London after being convicted on two counts of breaching UK trade controls and concealing criminal property.
The court heard how Hyde, of Newton on Derwent, near York, moved the weapons without a licence and hid more than $1m (£620,460) in commission payments.
Hyde legitimately ran and expanded wholesale business York Guns to the point where it employed 20 staff in 2003 and helped broker various arms deals including some for the British government.
But in 2006 Hyde got involved in the deal between China and Nigeria, the court heard.
The deal between Beijing and Abuja was lawful, but Judge Nicholas Loraine-Smith said as the middleman, Hyde was caught out by his own greed.
He failed to apply for a licence to take part in the deal, fearing it would be refused, but was attracted by the "enormous profits" to be made, the judge said.
"You got carried away by the enormous profits that could be made elsewhere and, it would seem, in some less responsible company,” the Judge said.
"Applying for a licence would have been easy. There was no evidence you would have got one, the question was never asked. I suspect you thought you would not.
"If you had, you would have also been concerned about the UK authorities finding out about your very substantial earnings."
Hyde, a former special constable, was convicted after a retrial of two counts of becoming knowingly concerned in the movement of controlled goods between March 2006 and December 2007.
(H)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
17 July 2008
Teenager Found Guilty Of Kelly Hyde Murder
A 17-year-old has been found guilty of brutally murdering a hairdresser in south Wales, and dumping her body in stream. Twenty-four-year-old Kelly Hyde had been walking her dog along a bridle path in Carmarthenshire when Adrian Vivian Jones, 17 attacked her.
Teenager Found Guilty Of Kelly Hyde Murder
A 17-year-old has been found guilty of brutally murdering a hairdresser in south Wales, and dumping her body in stream. Twenty-four-year-old Kelly Hyde had been walking her dog along a bridle path in Carmarthenshire when Adrian Vivian Jones, 17 attacked her.
09 January 2013
UK Man Pleads Guilty To Iran Arms Deal
A retired UK businessman faces sentencing in the US after pleading guilty to arms dealing. 66-year-old Christopher Tappin was extradited to the US last February over claims he tried to sell missile batteries to Iran.
UK Man Pleads Guilty To Iran Arms Deal
A retired UK businessman faces sentencing in the US after pleading guilty to arms dealing. 66-year-old Christopher Tappin was extradited to the US last February over claims he tried to sell missile batteries to Iran.
17 May 2012
GM Save Vauxhall Car Plant
General Motors will confirm this morning the survival of the Ellesmere Port car plant, which will become the new production home of it’s new Astra model. The move follows staff at the car company voting by 94% in favour of a new pay and conditions deal, clearing the way for investment in the Ellesmere Port plant.
GM Save Vauxhall Car Plant
General Motors will confirm this morning the survival of the Ellesmere Port car plant, which will become the new production home of it’s new Astra model. The move follows staff at the car company voting by 94% in favour of a new pay and conditions deal, clearing the way for investment in the Ellesmere Port plant.
21 May 2010
BA Strike Looms As Losses Take-Off
It's double-trouble for beleaguered British Airways (BA) today as cabin crew prepare for a 15-day strike next week - while it has announced a record pre-tax loss of £531m.
BA Strike Looms As Losses Take-Off
It's double-trouble for beleaguered British Airways (BA) today as cabin crew prepare for a 15-day strike next week - while it has announced a record pre-tax loss of £531m.
03 December 2007
More Questions Than Answers On Labour Party Donations
The Government is to have no respite from the growing chorus of questions on party funding activities. Opposition parties have continued to maintain pressure on the Labour party funding issue, demanding to be told who knew about donations to the party.
More Questions Than Answers On Labour Party Donations
The Government is to have no respite from the growing chorus of questions on party funding activities. Opposition parties have continued to maintain pressure on the Labour party funding issue, demanding to be told who knew about donations to the party.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
