Man jailed for six years for drugs and firearms offences

BY NEWS REPORTER
shuz@slpmedia.co.uk

A man has been jailed for drugs and firearms offences.

Asher Mitchell-Butler, 20 of Perystreete, Forest Hill, was sentenced to a total of six years at Woolwich Crown Court on Thursday.

Mitchell-Butler was found guilty on Friday, January 5 of possession of a firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence, for which he was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment.

He had previously pleaded guilty to possession of ammunition and possession with intent to supply Class A drugs (cocaine and heroin).

He was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for the ammunition offences – to run concurrently – and one-year imprisonment for the drugs offences, to be served consecutively.

At approximately 11.30pm on June 28, 2017, plain clothes officers from Bromley Crime Squad were carrying out patrols in the Betts Park area, just off Anerley Road.

A moped, with a rider and a pillion passenger, stopped opposite them. Two men got off and approached the officers. The officers believed that the suspects were intent on robbing them, however, the pair seemed to realise who they were and made off.

A male detective constable pursued the first suspect on foot into nearby Seymour Villas and then into an alleyway. There, the suspect produced a sawn-off shotgun, pointed it at the officer and threatened to shoot him before running off. No shots were fired and the officer was not injured.

An officer chased the second suspect – Mitchell-Butler – along Anerley Road, where he got back on the moped and rode it directly at the officer.

The officer struck out with his baton and the suspect fell from the moped. As he ran away in the direction of Elmers End, he threw his black crash helmet and a glove to the ground.

Officers conducted a search of the local area and discovered the discarded shotgun, which was found to be loaded, and a machete.

Detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command launched an investigation.

Mitchell-Butler was quickly identified as a suspect and a warrant was obtained to search his home.

During this search, officers found a cartridge identical to the one found in the shotgun.

He was arrested on July 3, 2017 and was charged later that day.

Detective Constable Andy Brackley, from Trident, said: “Although it was not Mitchell-Butler who threatened a police officer with a firearm that night, it was clear to the jury that Mitchell-Butler was in joint possession of this firearm along with an accomplice, although his exact intention is unknown.

“It is fortunate that the officer was not injured. His bravery and that of his colleague cannot go without recognition.

“Mitchell-Butler is about to start a lengthy prison sentence which reflects the seriousness of his crimes.

“We remain committed to bringing the second suspect before the court and enquiries continue.”

Detective Superintendent Paul Warnett, from Bromley police, said: “This case once again highlights the dangers that police officers can face on a daily basis.

“These two officers were carrying out a routine crime prevention operation to address the concerns of local residents.

“However, it quickly escalated and an officer was faced with a shotgun pointed directly at him.

“By working alongside colleagues from Trident, a dangerous man is beginning a prison sentence and another firearm is off the streets.”

The case against a second suspect, Harry Moutouna from Lewisham, who had been charged with several offences, was dismissed.