Ex-PCSO jailed for trying to make 3D printer gun

Zoe Watts, 39, was handed a prison sentence at Lincoln Crown Court on Friday

A former police community support officer who was "obsessed with weapons" has been jailed after she tried to make a gun using a 3D printer.

Zoe Watts, 39, of St Helen's Avenue, Lincoln, who is a trans woman was found with weapons, including knives and a crossbow, alongside parts for 3D printed guns during a raid on her home on 11 December.

Watts denied a charge of attempting to manufacture a prohibited weapon, and claimed she was making a "fidget" toy gun as a Christmas present.

But after being found guilty in June, Watts has been sentenced at Lincoln Crown Court to eight years and six months in prison.

Watts, who ran her own survivalist channel on YouTube, was previously jailed for banned weapon and explosive substances offences

Jonathan Dee, prosecuting, said the semi-automatic weapon, which was a short-range rifle, was the "first weapon of this type that has been found in this country".

He said it had "the capacity to cause mass casualties" and was capable of firing 33 bullets within 10 to 15 seconds.

During the trial, the court heard the 3D printer was found in a cupboard in the search of her home, along with many of the parts needed to make a gun.

When firearms experts tried to put the weapon together it did not work, but the prosecution said it would be a "lethal" prohibited weapon if made correctly.

Two days before the raid on her home, Watts had done an online search for "Has anybody been killed by a 3D printed gun?"

The court was told on behalf of Watts – who was appearing by videolink – that she "apologised to the jury, to her family and her friends for putting them through this".

It also heard that she "expressed her sorrow that it may have an impact on how the gay and lesbian community may be viewed".

Zoe Watts was described by Judge Simon Hirst as having an "obsession with weapons"

Judge Simon Hirst described Watts as "incredibly courteous and polite" but, passing sentence, told her it was "clear from evidence that you have an obsession with weapons".

"You have a deeply troubling search history concerning those who have killed and notorious murderers," he added.

The judge said there had been "some degree of planning" but "no evidence the weapon would have been sold or loaned".

He also made Watts – who was previously jailed in 2021 for making an improvised explosive device and for weapons offences – the subject of a deprivation order, meaning her rights to access the 3D printer and associated materials were removed.

Judge Hirst said he realised custody would be more difficult for Watts because of her neurodivergence, her previous police career and her transgender identity.

She was also made the subject of a five-year serious crime prevention order.

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