(Extract from the Slough and South Bucks Observer)
Windsor [Datchet] ‘gun factory’ linked to criminals in London and Merseyside
By Charlie Masters Court and Crime Reporter 1st March 2024
Three men have been jailed for running a ‘gun factory’ out of a flat and garage in the Windsor area – with firearms linked to the gang ending up as far afield as Merseyside.
Damon Denham, 36, of Common Road, Slough, appeared via video link at Reading Crown Court today (March 1) for sentencing.
He was joined by his co-defendants, Chad Blackwell, 34, of Ashford in Middlesex, and Daniel Boyd, 42, of Talbot Place, Datchet.
The court heard that they used Boyd’s ground-floor flat in Datchet as a workshop, converting deactivated guns to fire live ammunition. The property was raided by police on October 11 last year. 18 converted pistols were found at the apartment, and a further 56 at a garage in Ash Lane, Windsor, rented in the name of a relative of Boyd. The weapons were destined to be sold on the black market.
The court heard it has been equally difficult to establish who was physically reactivating the guns, although tools seized from the flat and garage indicated firearms were being converted there. Police had traced a number of weapons sold by the men, revealing the scope of the operation. A handgun with Boyd’s DNA on it was found at the home address of a 15-year-old boy in Peckham in 2023.
Earlier on the same day, the teenager had fired upon a group standing outside a nearby Domino’s Pizza restaurant. Another pistol linked to the Windsor gang was seized by police in the Merseyside area.
Both Boyd and Blackwell have maintained they became involved in the illegal arms trade in order to settle drug debts. Boyd’s barrister, Tom Acworth, played down his role, insisting that his client was paid very little for his role in the gang. Mr Acworth said: “He [Boyd] was not receiving thousands of pounds. He was not even receiving hundreds of pounds. He was paid very little for his involvement.”
Michael Hillman, who defended Blackwell, made similar remarks, describing his client as a “foot-soldier” with a modest income and lifestyle.
Judge Real told the defendants: “All three of you were in close and regular telephone contact with each-other – I’m told you were friends, in any event.” Judge Real sentenced Blackwell to 11 years and three months behind bars. Boyd will serve eight years and three months in prison, while Denham was jailed for 13 years and one month.
They will each serve at least half their sentences on licence in the community.
There is a very detailed SEROCU report here