'Gun obsessed' man jailed for printing 3D gun

A man "obsessed by guns" has been jailed for four-and-a-half years for 3D-printing a handgun.

David Boylett, 62, was arrested in July 2021 after a raid at his home in Telford, Shropshire, by the National Crime Agency (NCA).

They found he only needed an extra 15 minutes to make the weapon fully functional. They also found an array of parts for firearms, tools and two 3D printers at his home.

Boylett pleaded guilty to attempting to possess a component part of a prohibited firearm and possessing a firearm and ammunition without a firearms certificate in January and was sentenced at Shrewsbury Crown Court on Monday, the NCA said.

The 62-year-old's computer and a memory card revealed the "intensity" of his gun obsession, a spokesperson for the agency said.

Piles of documents about converting firearms, making ammunition and using 3D printers were found.

A folder called "naughty stuff" was found on his computer and contained instructional videos for the same model of gun which the agency seized from his home.

A video was also found on his phone which showed his 3D printer making one of the gun components which was found in his home.

Files were found by NCA firearms experts which could have been used to print the remaining parts of the gun to make it work.

They also carried out a successful test fire of the weapon, the agency added.

A powerful air rifle and ammunition were also seized along with a part from a shotgun that was stolen from a vehicle in Herefordshire in April 2012.

"Boylett was in the process of creating deadly weapons that could have done untold harm to individuals in our communities," said NCA senior investigating officer, Niall Conner.

"The depth of his research into 3D-printed firearms demonstrates his obsession and intent with the tools in his possession."

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