Man jailed after handgun found in park near Harborough
A man has been jailed for six years after his DNA was found on a handgun discarded in a country park near Market Harborough.
An off-duty PSCO had been walking his dog in East Carlton Park when he came across a bag in a wooded area on November 17, 2025.
He opened the bag to find a firearm.
Armed officers, detectives and specialist crime scene investigators were called to the scene to assess the weapon, deemed to be a viable black handgun.
The DNA of 27-year-old Jakub Sawa was found on the left-hand side of the grip following forensic examination.
He was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm.
Sawa denied the charge, but was found guilty at Northampton Crown Court on August 15.
He was sentenced to six years in prison on September 15.
Detective Constable Kieran Fowler said: “Illegal firearms have no place in our communities. They have the potential to cause devastating harm, and we are committed to pursuing anyone involved in possessing, using or supplying these weapons.
“I am pleased that the forensic evidence presented to the court resulted in Sawa's conviction and that he will now spend a substantial period behind bars.”