A man has been jailed for five years after firing a converted blank firing gun during a violent street brawl in Edenbridge.

Muhamet Mahmutaj, 25, was involved in a disturbance on May 2nd, 2024, believed to be linked to a drug dispute. The incident saw fighting erupt in the Stanbridge Road and Pine Grove areas, with assaults involving a catapult and a knife.

Mahmutaj, who was carrying the illegally modified firearm, attempted to shoot rival groups but the weapon failed to discharge. Police recovered the gun and ammunition at the scene.

Investigations linked Mahmutaj to a white Audi used in criminal damage incidents against the rival group the previous day. He was found guilty of possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and affray at Maidstone Crown Court and was sentenced on December 13th.

Detective Inspector Paul Raines said:

‘Mahmutaj had every intention of using this converted weapon and attempted to fire it at other people in a residential area, including at very close range. Fortunately, during the incident only a blank round misfired, which jammed the barrel.

‘Brandishing any weapon on our streets is completely unacceptable and anyone bringing firearms into Kent and risking the safety of the public will be robustly pursued and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We welcome the custodial sentence passed by the courts.‘

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