Crewe man, 31, jailed for possessing 3D-printed handgun

By The Editor 4th Mar 2025

Matthew Alcroft, 31, of Cheyney Walk, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 20 February to be sentenced to 63 months behind bars Cheshire Police).
Matthew Alcroft, 31, of Cheyney Walk, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 20 February to be sentenced to 63 months behind bars Cheshire Police).

A Crewe man has been jailed for over five years, for the possession of a 3D-printed viable handgun and other firearms offences.

Matthew Alcroft from Cheyney Walk, appeared at Chester Crown Court on Thursday 20 February to be sentenced.

The 31-year-old pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm of length less than 30cm/60cm prohibited weapon, possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and possessing a firearm when prohibited for five years.

Matthew Alcroft pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm of length less than 30cm/60cm prohibited weapon, possessing ammunition for a firearm without a certificate and possessing a firearm when prohibited for five years (Nub News).

Alcroft was sentenced to 63 months in prison.

Acting on information, police arrested Alcroft on 6 November 2024 and executed a warrant at an address in Nantwich that he was associated with.

Officers found a 3D-printed firearm on the top of a chest of drawers.

It was believed to be a 3D handgun, containing one bullet in the chamber and four bullets in its clip, and deemed a viable firearm. 

A forensic expert tested the firearm and confirmed it was a prohibited firearm. Alcroft, who has been convicted for previous offences which meant he was not authorised to have a firearm, was subsequently charged with the offences.

DC Lauren Constable said: "There is no excuse for possessing an illegal firearm.

"This 3D-printed gun is thought to be the first in the county to be seized and destroyed and we want it to be the last.

Acting on information, police arrested Matthew Alcroft on 6 November 2024 and executed a warrant at an address in Nantwich that he was associated with (Cheshire Police).

"Alcroft would only say that he found the gun on his car bonnet, but if that was indeed the case, what he should have done was report this to police and hand the gun to us.

"Alcroft is now paying the price for having this weapon in his possession."

If you have any concerns or information about firearms contact Cheshire Police by calling 101 or going to the website.

READ MORE: Nissan damaged in car crash at busy Crewe junction.

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