A TEENAGER from Inverkip who was caught trying to smuggle a gun into Scotland has been jailed for 20 months.

A judge told Ryan Bonner, 19, that there was no alternative to the imposition of a custodial sentence in his case.

Lord Armstrong said at the High Court in Edinburgh yesterday that he had taken into account Bonner's age, his limited criminal record and that he had no intention to discharge the weapon.

Bonner was caught after US law enforcement authorities intercepted a parcel addressed to Largs chef Jonathan Paxton.

A Glock-19 pistol was intercepted but a replacement 'placebo package' was forwarded instead, which Bonner collected.

A secret recording device was also placed inside.

A prosecutor earlier told the court: "He can be heard making reference to hiding guns."

Advocate depute Blair Speed said: "When speaking to another he said: 'I am telling you - once I get it out the box, I'll put it in a bag. Once I know there is no tracking devices in the box, tomorrow, we will move it somewhere'."

The package arrived at the home of Bonner’s friend on December 3 in 2019 and Bonner picked it up and took it home to Inverkip.

When police detained Bonner at his address in Inverkip he denied any knowledge of firearms.

He claimed that he had gone to pick up what he assumed was a car part and had been told to keep it for someone, who was to collect it later.

The recovered Glock semi-automatic firearm was in good condition and fully operational, the court heard.

The Largs home of Paxton was also searched and police went on to find 343 ecstasy tablets worth up to around £3,500 on the streets.

Paxton said he only agreed to something being sent to him when he was very drunk and chatting to Bonner.

Bonner, of Nursery Gardens in Inverkip, earlier admitted attempting to have in his possession a prohibited weapon on December 3 in 2019.

His co-accused Paxton, of Royal Avenue in Largs, pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of ecstasy on the same date.

First offender Paxton was sentenced to 20 months detention for the drugs offence.

Defence counsel Victoria Young, for Paxton, said: "He frankly acknowledges that it is his problematic drug use that has led him to the situation he now finds himself in."

Louise Arrol, representing Bonner, said that he was young and without significant previous offending.

Jennifer Harrower, procurator fiscal for specialist casework, said: "This conviction and sentence should send a message to those who try to bring firearms into the country illegally.

"Scotland has strict laws controlling the ownership of firearms aimed at preventing their circulation.

"We will continue to work with justice partners and the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce to find and prosecute those who put Scotland’s communities at risk in this way."

Detective Inspector Tom Gillan of the Organised Crime Partnership (Scotland) — a collaboration of officers from Police Scotland and the National Crime Agency — said: "The illegal acquisition and possession of firearms will not be tolerated in Scotland and any such crime will be thoroughly investigated.

"The public can be reassured that the OCP will use all legitimate means to remove threat, risk and harm from the communities of Scotland posed by organised crime.

"I would like to thank our partner law enforcement agencies for all assistance provided during this investigation and would urge anyone with information surrounding illegal firearms to contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

John McGowan, of the National Crime Agency, said: "This operation prevented a deadly firearm and a quantity of illegal drugs from reaching the streets of Scotland.

"The Organised Crime Partnership brings together specialist officers and capabilities from the NCA and Police Scotland, and enables us to protect the people of Scotland from threats that come from well beyond our shores.

"Working together we are determined to do all we can to stop the flow of illegal guns and drugs, and tackle the organised criminality that has a devastating impact on our communities."