Essex man Rhys Hennerby, who discarded drugs and loaded gun during police chase in Ipswich, jailed for seven years

A man who discarded drugs and a loaded gun while trying to run away from police has been jailed for seven years.

Rhys Hennerby, 30, of Hyena Drive in Stanway, Essex, was sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court yesterday.

He was spotted by officers in the evening of February 20 in Gaye Street, Ipswich, and when they made attempts to approach him, he ran off.

During the foot-chase, he was seen to discard items from his pocket, and after being detained and arrested, an officer discovered one of the items was a gun.

Following further inquiries this was found to be a loaded weapon.

Hennerby was also seen to have discarded other items which were discovered to be Class A drugs.

Hennerby pleaded guilty to possessing heroin and cocaine with intent to supply as well as the charge of possession of a prohibited firearm.

He was given a seven-year prison sentence and ordered to pay a £228 victim surcharge.

Following his sentencing, Sergeant Dave Logan, of the Sentinel South Team, said: “Hennerby was encountered by police after they observed his suspicious behaviour, at this point his identity, history and intent were unknown.

“The officer’s instinct and determination to catch this male was spot on. What they didn’t know was the danger that this male posed to themselves and the public.

“It’s alarming that this male had a loaded, viable firearm in his possession, but I am pleased to say this is a rare occurrence for Suffolk.

“This case shows the importance of proactive policing and our stop search powers, where weapons are detected prior to being used to harm others.

“The sentence is a stark reminder that violent crime in Ipswich will not be tolerated, and we will do all we can to ensure lengthy sentences are handed out by the courts.”