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Former Police Officer Zoe Watts Jailed Over 3D-Printed Gun Plot

A former Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) has been sentenced to more than eight years in prison after being found guilty of attempting to manufacture a firearm using a 3D printer.

Zoe Watts, 39, from Lincoln, was arrested by armed police officers following an investigation into the possession of weapons and the suspected production of illegal firearms. Officers stopped her vehicle and simultaneously executed a warrant at her home, where they discovered a large collection of weapons, including knives, a crossbow, and components linked to the construction of firearms. 

Investigators found materials and parts that could be used to create firearms through 3D-printing technology. According to prosecutors, one of the weapons under construction was only a single component away from becoming operational. Police also uncovered evidence showing that Watts had researched weapons online and searched for information relating to 3D-printed firearms. 

The case attracted significant attention because of the growing concerns surrounding the misuse of 3D-printing technology to manufacture weapons outside of traditional regulatory controls. Detectives said the investigation revealed a substantial stockpile of weapons and highlighted the dangers posed by homemade firearms. 

Watts denied criminal intent and claimed some of the items were intended as toys. However, a jury found her guilty of attempting to manufacture a firearm using a 3D printer. She was subsequently sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court to eight years and six months in prison. 

Police described the case as a landmark prosecution involving the attempted manufacture of a firearm through 3D-printing technology. Following her release, Watts will also be subject to additional restrictions under a Serious Crime Prevention Order. 

The case serves as a warning that while 3D printers have many legitimate uses, the production of illegal firearms remains a serious criminal offence that can result in lengthy prison sentences. 

Attached is a News article regarding police officer Zoe watts who was arrested over a 3D printed gun plot 

https://news.sky.com/story/former-pcso-jailed-for-trying-to-make-3d-printer-gun-13408637

Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley