A 20-YEAR-OLD man caught carrying a loaded gun through a train station has been sentenced to nine years in jail.

Wesley Petrie, of Landstead Road, Shooters Hill, was caught by British Transport Police at Abbey Wood station on February 7 when he failed to produce a valid ticket.

Officers arrested him after a computer check revealed he was wanted for a serious assault.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Mike Stephenson said: “Petrie then told officers not to look in his bag, but a search revealed a pistol which had two rounds of live ammunition in the barrel.”

Petrie claimed he was looking after the gun for a friend.

He was found guilty after a trial at Woolwich Crown Court of possessing a firearm with ammunition with intent to endanger life.

He had previously pleaded guilty to possessing a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition without a firearms certificate.