Swift action by Met officers in Bermondsey results in seven-year sentence for firearm and drug criminal

A man from Bristol has been sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment for firearm offences and drug possession thanks to the work of Met officers.

Officers across the Met are pursuing offenders who endanger the lives of communities as the Met makes the capital safer as part of the A New Met for London plan.

Prince Wynter, 25 (12.01.99) of Firfield Street, Totterdown, Bristol, was sentenced to seven years in prison at Inner London Crown Court on Friday, 26 July. Wynter pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life in May 2024. He was also found guilty of the following offences:

- possession of a prohibited weapon firearm;
- possession of ammunition without a firearm certificate;
- possession of a class B drug.

While on patrol near Tooley Street in October 2023 local officers stationed in Bermondsey observed Wynter riding an e-scooter and noticed him recklessly running a red light, posing a significant risk to public safety. Concerned about his dangerous behaviour, the officers followed him.

As they approached to intervene, they witnessed Wynter discard an object under a nearby car. On further investigation officers discovered he had thrown away a black handgun in an attempt to conceal it. Officers immediately arrested him for firearm possession and a search by officers also found cannabis.

Detective Constable Luke Martinez, from the Met's Specialist Crime Command who led the investigation, said:

“This outcome is a testament to the effective work of Met officers, whose swift action resulted in the removal of a loaded firearm from the streets of London.

“Our officers are working hard to ensure that people are safe and preventing dangerous weapons from being used.

“Firearms are linked to most severe violence with deadly outcomes and we will continue to tackle gun crime and hold offenders accountable.”

Met officers are dedicated to protecting Londoners and ensuring firearms have no place in the capital, and dismantling serious and organised crime groups who pose the greatest harm.

The Met’s hard work has led to a record low in firearms offences in the last 15 years across London. Last year alone, 386 illegal firearms were seized across the capital – more than one a day.

Officers and staff are dedicated to tackling gun crime, improving intelligence sharing with local communities and collaborating with partner agencies to disrupt criminal networks. This approach not only aims to reduce crime, but ensures safer neighbourhoods for all Londoners.

To report a crime, call 101, report it online or visit Crimestoppers to report totally anonymously. Always call 999 in an emergency.