10/09/2007

Soldier Sentenced To Three Years

A British soldier who offered to sell ammunition to an undercover police officer has been sentenced to three years in jail.

Private Christopher Trussler, 29, had also told the officer that he could obtain an AK47 assault rifle and a rocket launcher.

Pte Trussler admitted stealing the bullets during a Northern Ireland training exercise.

The court heard that Trussler had told the police officer, who was undercover in a sting operation as part of Operation Trident targeting gun crime in the black community, that he had 21 rounds of 9mm ammunition on sale for £50. He also told the undercover officer that he could procure an AK47 for £1,500.

Trussler who will now be discharged from military service, has previous convictions for theft, burglary, and drink-driving.

(SP/KMcA)

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