Daniel Bryan, 30, of Stofield Gardens in Eltham, was sentenced on January 31 after a jury found him guilty of a firearms offence.
Patrols were alerted to a suspicious car travelling from Brixton into Kent in the early hours of 30 July 2024.
It was tracked to Ashford Road in Maidstone and two occupants – one of whom was Bryan – were detained.
During a search, officers found a suspected firearm tucked into Bryan’s sock, under his jogging bottoms.
The weapon was seized and Bryan was arrested. Subsequent tests confirmed the weapon to be a modified starter pistol, capable of firing live ammunition.
Bryan was later charged with possession of a prohibited firearm.
He pleaded not guilty and was convicted following a trial at Maidstone Crown Court. Bryan was sentenced to six and a half years in prison.
Detective Constable Stuart Drakeley said: “The starter pistol Bryan had in his possession had been deliberately adapted to become a dangerous weapon and could have caused a fatal injury if used during a violent crime.
“Bryan had no lawful reason to have it with him when he was stopped by officers, and it is right that he now is behind bars.
“There is no place for unlicensed firearms on the streets of Kent and our patrols will continue to target those who fail to abide by the law.
“Those we detain can expect a lengthy prison sentence.”
