A GUN nut who had “high hopes” of turning his life around after leaving prison is back behind bars over new weapons charges. Dad-of-two Steven McGarry, 37, faces a “substantial sentence” after cops found a gun and ammo in his house in Paisley. 4 Steven McGarry is back behind bars after admitted to fresh weapons charges 4 The property in Stepps, Glasgow, targeted by Steven McGarry in 2019 Credit: Tom Farmer 4 Forensic officers search for clues at the home involved in McGarry's first gun offence Credit: Tom Farmer 4 Crook Steven McGarry has been warned he faces a substantial sentence He pleaded guilty to six charges today - three years after being caged for firing shots at a home with a pal who died before he could face justice .
Tony Lenehan KC, defending, told the High Court in Glasgow his client had set up a business after his release but the venture failed. McGarry was then tempted back into his criminal ways in a bid to earn money . Mr Lenehan said: “In common with many people who leave prison he had high hopes.
Read More Scottish News PERV DEATH Celtic paedophile who abused young players died alone in jail with 'poor health' GROUNDED EasyJet cancels hundreds of flights as Scots travellers warned over travel chaos "There was a business that he was trying to develop - that was thwarted and this lead him to this way of earning money." McGarry, a prisoner at Barlinnie, appeared from custody before admitting to having a Slovakian Grand Power self-loading pistol at the home he shared with his partner and two kids . Advocate depute Christopher McKenna told the court he had been stopped driving a black Audi motor in the city on January 17 this year by officers in the city's Edmiston Drive.
The attended his home and found a weapon tucked away inside a grey Under Armour bag in a bedroom. Most read in The Scottish Sun TRAGIC LOSS Rangers hero's brother dies amid fears he was infected with West Nile virus LUNBELIEVABLE Raging fans demand ex-Rangers ace Lundstram has his 'contract terminated' NO MERCY Celtic's nightmare UCL draw as Hoops could face Real, Man City and 3 other champs BRAND NEW Rangers 'consider move for ex-Man Utd star' as injury fears grow over key man The prosecutor said: “The search was paused until a firearm warrant was granted.” Specialist officers from the Scottish Police Authority’s forensics team arrived and continued the search which unearthed “viable” ammo.
Analysis revealed McGarry’s DNA was found on the prohibited firearm as well as 15 Luger 9mm bulleted cartridges found with the weapon. McGarry further admitted not holding a firearms certificate and being in possession of the weapon after having been sentenced to 44 months for a previous gun offence , contrary to the Firearms Act 1968. We told in January 2021 how McGarry was caged for nearly four years after blasting a luxury home in a drive-by shooting .
The High Court in Edinburgh heard it was only “good fortune” that nobody was in during the attack on a pad. It came after ammo was fired through the living room window of the £250,000 detached home in Stepps, near Glasgow. Jailing him at the time Lord Weir told McGarry: “On any view, it is a serious incident involving the discharge of a potentially lethal weapon in a public street.
” The judge added that the thug would have faced 51⁄2 years but for his guilty plea to recklessly discharging a firearm on December 30, 2019. We told how McGarry was nailed for the December 30, 2019, attack when cops spotted the stolen Audi A3 getaway motor parked at a flat where he was staying. Firearm residue and DNA belonging to him and accomplice John MacFarlane, 32, was discovered inside.
Ex-scaffolder McGarry, whose rap sheet includes a knife assault , claimed he got involved to pay off a drugs debt . MacFarlane died of a drugs overdose before he could face justice. Judge Lady Hood today called for background reports in order to help explain , “how it came to be that these circumstances arose for Mr McGarry after having hopes of turning his life around.
” McGarry will be sentenced next month. Detective Inspector David Bell said: "This was a significant recovery and underlines our commitment to tackle violence across Scotland. Read more on the Scottish Sun DONUT BE JELLY 'Scotland's best bakery' opens Glasgow branch right next door to GREGGS NEW LOOK Andy Murray looks unrecognisable as he shares bizarre new retirement routine "Disrupting the activities of criminals like McGarry and making the country an extremely hostile environment for them to operate is one of Police Scotland’s top priorities.
“There is no place for criminality in our society and, working in partnership with law enforcement agencies and the members of the Serious Organised Crime Taskforce, we will continue our fight against those involved in these types of offences to keep our communities safe.".
