Man jailed for 54 years for firearms offences: Blackfriars Crown Court
(NW1 - Wednesday, 1 December, 2010)

Christodolous Sotiriou aged 45 (dob 25.11.1965) of Camelot House, Camden Park Road NW1, appeared at Blackfriars Crown Court on Tuesday 25th November and was sentenced to 54 years imprisonment with a 7 year tariff.

Sotiriou was found guilty of 13 counts relating to firearms offences, which included re-activating and possessing a fully working Sten Sub-Machine gun, converting and possessing 3 handguns, manufacturing 32 single shot firearms, manufacturing a 12 gauge shotgun, possession of expanding bullets and numerous other serious firearms offences.

Background:

Police in Camden launched Operation Limoges in January 2010 after the UK Border Agency intercepted a parcel containing a bullet mould, which was destined for a Camden address.

Following an intelligence led pro-active operation, officers from Camden's Borough Intelligence Unit (BIU) attended an address and Sotiriou was arrested on suspicion of possessing a weapon whilst prohibited (Sec 21 Firearms Act).

He was recalled to prison for possessing a weapon after serving a custodial sentence of more than 3 years.

At his address officers found a backpack containing maps of Epping Forest, a GPS system and handwritten references to hides throughout the forest.

Officers from Camden's BIU and POLSA attended areas in Epping Forest and conducted a search.

Three hand guns were found buried and wrapped in plastic bags, plus a Sten sub-machine gun, a home made single shot 12 gauge shotgun, 32 home made single shot firearms and various other gun parts.

A further search in Epping Forest on Monday 21st June found more ammunition and component parts (material for over 3,000 rounds).

Sotiriou is a convicted murderer, released on 'Life Licence' in 2000.

His arrest and conviction was high profile in 1990, as his victim was the husband of the head of Warner Brothers, who was attending the world premiere of 'Dick Tracey' with Madonna and Warren Beatty at the time.

He murdered the male after an incident in Hornsey swimming baths, Park Road N8, on 5th July 1990.

He stabbed the male repeatedly in the changing rooms.

He fled to Cyprus and was extradited to the UK where he stood trial and was found guilty.

Detective Sergeant Mark Richards said:

"It is unknown what Christodolous Sotiriou intended to do with these weapons.

"However, we have ensured through committed intelligence-led policing, that this arsenal of weapons will never reach the streets of Camden."

Police Force: Metropolitan (London)

Address:
Camelot House
Camden Park Road
Camden
North West Londo
NW1