Joshua Sawyer jailed after shotgun seized in Hastings raid

Joshua Sawyer was arrested as officers stormed his home in Hastings.

The unemployed 29-year-old has now been jailed after admitting a series of drugs and firearms offences.

Detectives, supported by armed police, conducted two "intelligence-led searches" in Grove Road and Harkness Drive, Hastings, shortly after 5am on April 17.

After officers entered the Grove Road house, they spotted Sawyer throwing a holdall over a back wall into the garden next door.

They quickly pounced before he had a chance to follow the bag and arrested him.

There was no violence or injury during the operation, Sussex Police say.

But when officers searched the holdall, they found an imitation sawn-off shotgun along with 25 viable 16-bore cartridges and cocaine with an estimated street value of £3,500.

Detective Sergeant Jason Tuck, one of those involved in the investigation, said that Sawyer's intentions quickly became clear.

He said: "Our information that Sawyer was engaged in drug dealing was clearly accurate and the weapon was obviously for use in any threats connected with that activity.

"We are continuing our operations to disrupt organised criminality which affects our local communities in this way."

Sawyer appeared at Lewes Crown Court last week.

He pleaded guilty to a string of offences linked to the drugs and firearms.

He admitted possession with intent to supply cocaine and was given a three-year jail sentence.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence, for which he was given a further 18 months, and possessing firearm ammunition when prohibited, resulting in an 18-month sentence concurrent with the first two.

He was also convicted of having breached a previously suspended sentence for causing grievous bodily harm and was given a further 18 months in prison.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Anyone with information about drug dealing can contact the police at any time online or by calling 101."