Drug dealer Stefan Rattray tried to grab a loaded gun during a police raid

A DANGEROUS crook who attempted to grab a loaded gun during a police raid in Dudley has been jailed for ten years.

Heroin and cocaine dealer Stefan Rattray kicked PC Jessica Preston in the head and body before running into a bedroom to retrieve the pistol but he was detained by courageous officers who did not know the weapon was there.

Rattray, aged 24, was jailed at Wolverhampton Crown Court after a jury heard he was caught with the Russian-made Baikal 9mm handgun, a silencer and a number of live rounds of ammunition in the raid at a property in Corser Street, Dudley last November.

Judge Martin Walsh told Rattray it was clear the prohibited weapon and bullets were effectively "the tools of the trade" for drug dealers operating from a house in the town.

He added: "It is likely you were one of a number of persons involved in the commercial supply of drugs from those premises and it is likely the gun and ammunition were for the joint use of yourself and others who were supplying drugs."

Rattray, of Attingham Drive, had denied possessing a prohibited firearm and ammunition but he was found guilty by the jury.

He pleaded guilty to possessing heroin, cocaine and cannabis with intent to supply and also cultivating cannabis at the house raided by police.

Rattray also admitted assaulting a female police officer during the drugs raid but, said the judge, it was fortunate her injuries were not significant.

Kate Plummer, prosecuting, said officers recovered drugs valued at a total of £12,450 from the property and also discovered a cannabis factory had been set up in a rear bedroom.

She added there were a total of 19 plants being cultivated in the hydroponic system and it was estimated they would have provided three crops a year.

She said Rattray, a street drug dealer, had 15 previous convictions on his criminal record for offences including the possession of an offensive weapon, a bladed article and possessing drugs.

The judge said it was clear the premises in Corser Street were being used for the sale and supply of controlled drugs and Rattray, a father-of-one, was heavily involved in the criminality

http://www.dudleynews.co.uk/news/11373516.Drug_dealer_tried_to_grab_a_gun_during_police_raid_in_Dudley/?ref=var_0 30/07/2014