Gun removed from streets as two jailed for firearms offences

Two men have been jailed after Met officers found a gun and ammunition at a house in west London.

Police received intelligence that a firearm was being stored at an address in Killowen Avenue, Northolt. On 19 October 2021 an armed raid was carried out at the property and a package containing a black pistol and ammunition was found. Cydney Hadkinson, who was at the address, was arrested on suspicion of firearms offences although she claimed she had no idea what was in the package.

Specialist Crime detectives carried out further enquiries to establish how Hadkinson came to be in possession of the gun.

Through forensic work including analysing CCTV Kaoen Tarahkel and Necho Lewis were identified as being involved in handling and transferring the gun and ammunition. They were arrested in January 2023 and were also charged with firearms offences.

At Isleworth Crown Court on Thursday, 25 April Kaoen Tarahkel, 30, (11.03.94), of Rectory Park Avenue, Northolt was jailed for six years and ten months after pleading guilty to possessing and transferring a firearm and ammunition, as well as possession with intent to supply Class A and Class B drugs.

At the same hearing, Necho Lewis, 31, (22.10.93), of London Road, Isleworth was jailed for nine and a half years having been found guilty of transferring a firearm and ammunition and possessing a firearm and ammunition with intent to endanger life.

At Isleworth Crown Court on Wednesday, 8 May Cydney Hadkinson, 27 (03.06.96), of Killowen Avenue, Northolt handed a suspended sentence. She was sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years. She had previously pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Detective Constable Lianne Grayson from the Met’s Specialist Crime Command said:

“Tarahkel and Lewis took advantage of Hadkinson, who was in a vulnerable situation, to store a deadly weapon at her address. While the Judge has taken Hadkinson’s situation into account, they did comment on the seriousness of this offence as borne out in the significant custodial sentences handed down to the others.

“I hope this sends out a strong message to those who choose to handle firearms – you will be arrested, put before the courts and held to account for your actions.”