EMMANUEL: ‘I FOUND THE GUN UNDER A CAR’

A man spotted tossing a gun under a parked car minutes after it was fired claimed it had been dumped by a passer-by moments before, a court heard.

Cameron Emmanuel, 24, was seen dropping a package containing the 9mm pistol by police officers, just after two shots rang out in a nearby street.

But he claimed he had stopped to investigate the bag, which had been left by another man, Inner London Crown Court heard today (Fri).

Cartridges found in a nearby street were found to match the German-made gun, and firearms residues were discovered on Emmanuel’s clothes, jurors heard.

Kate Bex, for the prosecution, said: ‘Shortly after 10pm on 2 March, two gun shots were heard in Nelsons Row, near the junction with Clapham High Street.

‘At about 10.20pm, six police officers were in a marked police car, driving down St Luke’s Avenue near Lenwyn Road, when they saw Mr Emmanuel place a bag under a vehicle.

‘He was asked to stop, but ran from them until he was caught by police after a short chase.

‘Police went back to where they had seen Mr Emmanuel discard something, and recovered a small, pouch-like bag from under a parked car.

‘Inside the bag was a Walther P38 nine millimetre self-loading pistol, with five live rounds in the magazine and one live cartridge loaded into the breech.

‘The pump was pulled back, ready to fire, and the safety off.’

Two spent gun cartridges were also recovered from Nelson’s Row, which forensics established had been from the same gun, adding up to a full magazine of ammunition, she told the jury.

‘Emmanuel was searched, he had a wallet on him with about £30, and about £200 in his left trainer and £200 in his right trainer,’ said Ms Bex.

‘When asked why he had the money, he said he kept it in different places in case he lost it.’

He confirmed that he had no job other than helping his father with painting and decorating jobs, claiming the money was his savings.

Police also found three mobile phones, and a right-handed glove, the jury was told.

‘On the right glove, eight particles of gunshot residue were found,’ said Ms Bex.

‘A further 11 particles were found on him and his clothing.’

In interview, Emmanuel initially claimed he had never touched the gun, which was dropped by a passer-by, the court heard.

Ms Bex said: ‘He said he was just walking home when he saw another black male walk towards him and threw a bag under the car, and that he had bent down to have a look at it to see what it was.’

He later served a defence statement saying he had touched the gun after forensic evidence of the gun particles was discovered on him, linking him to the weapon, she said.

Emmanuel, of (22) Chorley Close, Fairwater, Cardiff denies charges of possessing a gun with intent to endanger life, possession of a prohibited firearm.

He further denies purchasing ammunition with intent to endanger life and without a firearms certificate.

The trial continues.

ends