"Clearly there is another side to you she doesn't know about."
Ahmad Sharifi, aged 24, of Saltley, Birmingham, was jailed for five years after he was caught with a gun, ammunition and body armour.
Birmingham Crown Court heard he had “two sides” to his character and hid the criminal one from his mother, who thought he was a “good son and father”.
Sharifi was arrested at his address on April 30, 2023, after police acted on information and executed a warrant.
A younger male was also found at the property.
Police found a Glock self-loading pistol with an attached laser sight in a bag in a Volkswagen Polo parked nearby.
Both men denied having the keys to the Polo but they were found in Sharifi’s trousers during a search.
Police also discovered ammunition and body armour.
Whilst being transported into custody, Sharifi told officers:
“The thing you found in the car, the gun, that’s down to me.”
He also told officers the other male was “innocent”.
Sharifi later claimed he had been pressured into holding the weapon after failing to pay off a £2,000 debt.
But Judge Sarah Buckingham disputed the explanation in light of the fact officers also recovered balaclavas, a mask, gloves and body armour during various searches of his property.
Sharifi admitted possession of a prohibited firearm and possession of ammunition without a firearms certificate.
Lauren Hebditch, defending, said Sharifi played an active role in his two sons’ lives, adding he was “extremely remorseful” having not seen them since being remanded into custody.
She said he had a “turbulent” upbringing and felt “rejected” by his family.
Ms Hebditch said: “Since being in custody he has reflected on his childhood and life and he is ready to receive help.
“The defendant’s family are extremely disappointed in him.”
Passing sentence, Judge Buckingham concluded that Sharifi’s account about holding the gun was not a “compelling explanation”.
She said: “Your mother is under the impression you are a good son and father, with significant financial responsibility and with a good work ethic.
“Clearly there is another side to you she doesn’t know about.
“Clearly there are two sides to your character and you managed to slide between the two depending on whether you were with your mother and your family or with your associates.”
Sharifi was jailed for five years.
In a statement, West Midlands Police said:
“Every gun we take off the streets reduces the risk of harm to others.
“We remain committed to combating gun crime throughout the region.
“We’ve launched Operation Target to take a defiant stand against serious and organised crime offences – from drug dealing and burglary to cyber-crime and fraud – as part of our ongoing work to catch offenders and keep you safe.”
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