A teenager who used a Christmas gift 3D printer in a bid to build a semi automatic rifle has avoided jail.
James Maris used the present from his parents to manufacture parts for a firearm called the FGC9, which stands for ‘F-k Gun Control 9’.
But police received intelligence which resulted in officers searching his family home at Rannoch, in Perthshire, where they found the printer, components for the gun and computer files,
The 19-year-old earlier admitted offences under the Firearms Act, two of which carried a minimum term of three years detention unless a judge held that exceptional circumstances existed in the case.
At the High Court in Edinburgh, the judge, Lady Hood, said she was satisfied that was the case and told Maris she took into account the circumstances of the offending, his own circumstances and a risk assessment prepared on him.
Lady Hood told Maris at the sentencing: ‘I am persuaded a community based disposal, rather than a custodial disposal, is appropriate in your case.’
She ordered him to carry out 300 hours unpaid work and a three-year supervision requirement during a community payback order of the same duration.
The judge also limited his mobile phone and computer ownership and told him he must make devices available to police and a supervising officer.
Police discovered the homemade semi-automatic weapon during a search in May 2023
Police also found ammunition capable of being fired from the gun known as an FGC-9
James Maris was convicted of building a gun with 3D printer
Maris is also not allowed to use encryption and must provide passwords.
He was also placed on a night-time curfew for 12 months and told he would be tagged during that period.
Advocate depute Liam Ewing KC earlier told the court that police became aware in May 2023 that the teen had ordered a parts kit for an AR 15 semi automatic rifle online which was known to be used in the manufacture of an FGC9.
The prosecutor said Maris told police he was ‘fascinated with firearms’ and had been building a gun that was in a white box in his bedroom.
‘He stated this was his and had nothing to do with his parents, and that he only built this for a hobby and had no intention of using it to hurt anybody,’ he said.
Mr Ewing added: ‘He stated he purchased items to build this using his laptop which was within his bedroom.’
The court heard that the first offender was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and suffered from anxiety.
Mr Ewing said 3D printed firearms are primarily made from 3D printed plastic components, with some metal parts such as barrels, firing pins and springs. The designs for the guns are created digitally.
During a search of a bedroom cupboard police found the printed parts for the gun in a box. They also found replica weapons and ammunition.
Inside the box was a handwritten letter which read: ‘If you are reading this I am most probably caught but I need to try and explain why I’ve done this. It’s not for causing any harm nor is it to spread a message or belief – it’s purely for my own interest as I have a passion for firearms and engineering.
‘I have no radical views nor have any association to people that do. I’m also truly sorry for any inconvenience I have given people as a result of this. I am the only one who is responsible for this and have had no help during construction either. Thank you for reading and I’m sorry.’
The court was told the printer had been a Christmas present from his parents in 2021 and he’d used it to make models and gifts for family and friends.
Police investigating the case concluded that Maris was ‘nearing the end of the manufacturing process’ for the weapon.
Defence solicitor advocate Ewen Roy said a further report prepared on Maris ‘underscored his high level of remorse’.
He said: ‘There is no element of self pity from him, rather he focuses on the troubles he has caused others, not least his family.’
Maris earlier admitted attempting to manufacture a firearm without authority between January and May in 2023 and unlawful possession of a prohibited weapon and ammunition on Mary 25 in 2023. Â
Moira Orr, who leads on major crime for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, said: ‘James Maris has been convicted of a serious crime.
‘This sentence should act as a deterrent to others who are engaged in this sort of criminal activity.
‘The manufacture of viable 3D-printed firearms is a real threat and, as prosecutors, we will robustly pursue those who are involved in assembling them.
‘This case underlines our commitment to continue working with the police and other agencies to ensure that crimes of this nature are detected and those responsible prosecuted using all measures at our disposal.’