A MAN caught up in the Tamworth 'ice castle' police sting after he was captured supplying a gun will be eligible for release next month.
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Shaun Andrew Winsor was jailed for two years for supplying a shortened .22 firearm, and offering to supply another rifle on April 29, last year.
The Crown said Winsor knowingly took part in "an offer to supply in relation to what's known as a 3030 firearm".
In Tamworth District Court, Judge Deborah Payne was told he was contacted by a co-accused and "Winsor was able to source this particular firearm".
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The Crown prosecutor said Winsor was captured saying "'he could get his hands on a 3030 rifle' ... which he said was 'red hot'".
The 29-year-old, who is being held in custody in the John Moroney Correctional Centre, appeared via video link for sentencing, and was supported by family in court.
Winsor told a doctor that he found the .22 gun in a cupboard cleaning out his girlfriend's house but the Crown said Winsor "got the money for the firearm".
"That's how he says he came by it," the Crown prosecutor said, casting doubt over the claim.
"He came by it in April, which is the same month that this supply took place."
'He could get his hands on a 3030 rifle' ... which he said was 'red hot'.
- Crown prosecutor
The court was told Winsor had "a shocking background" and had underlying illnesses, which he was being treated for in custody.
"He certainly has a shocking dysfunctional background and obvious traumas," Legal Aid solicitor Rae Parker told the court.
"He hasn't been to jail [before].
"He has managed to stay away from any real criminogenic associations."
Judge Payne rejected his claim he found the firearm, and said she didn't buy the explanation.
"This was serious offending, as all offences connected with firearms are," she said in sentencing, but noted he came from "a very, very bad background".
Winsor was given a 25 per cent discount for his early guilty plea. He was jailed for two years and given a minimum of 15 months behind bars before he's eligible for parole.
He's been in custody since his arrest on May 30, last year, and after time served, will eligible for parole at the end of August.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
