A 26-year-old from Lambeth has been jailed after he was linked by DNA to a sawn-off shotgun discovered by an engineer in an electrical cupboard.

Rashorn Evans, of Loughborough Estate, was found guilty of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life after a three day trial.

He was sentenced to six and a half years’ imprisonment on Thursday, February 17, at Inner London Crown Court.

An investigation was launched after police were called at 9.21am on October 5, 2020, by an engineer who was carrying out works in an electrical cupboard in Stonehouse Street, SW4.

He opened the cabinet to discover what was reported to be a sawn-off shotgun with cartridges and a handgun with its magazine located.

The shotgun, which was a black Jager Pistole DPR Angem, was found in three parts hidden inside a black plastic bag with five cartridges.

The engineer called police who attended and retrieved the items for examination.

Both firearms were tested and found to be possible with the shotgun having been shortened.

A complete DNA profile was found on the buttstock on the shotgun, which was found to be Evans.

An arrest enquiry took place at his home address in March 2021 where Evans was arrested.

He answered “no comment” to all questions put to him during interview.

Officers found two drill music videos in which Evans could be seen imitating holding and firing a shotgun during the investigation.

He was then charged on March 29, 2021.

Detective Constable Imran Hansraj, Specialist Crime, said: “Those responsible for hiding the weapons likely thought they had chosen a good spot where these could be kept undiscovered until needed for some nefarious activity, but he didn’t count on the methods we have at our disposal to identify and apprehend those who are involved in firearms activity.”

“The quick and responsible call to the police by this engineer has very likely resulted in the prevention of incredibly serious violence somewhere down the line – even in lives being saved.

“We’re very grateful to him for his support.

“Evans meanwhile is behind bars for a significant amount of time. That is the message this sentencing sends out – if you are involved in firearms activity we will investigate, we will find you and you will go to prison.”