A MAN once involved in a drive-by shooting was caught with a gun and bullets after being freed from jail.

Steven McGarry was stopped by police driving an Audi Q5 near Rangers' Ibrox Stadium in January this year. 

The 37-year-old's two-bedroom home in Glenapp Avenue, Paisley, was then searched by police.

(Image: Police Scotland)
Officers went on to uncover the weapon and 15 rounds of ammunition hidden inside an Under Armour sports bag in a cupboard.

The firearm was found to be a Slovakian-made Grand Power pistol initially designed to discharge "blanks" such as flares.

READ NEXT: Man found dead in Glasgow flat amid probe into 'serious assault'

But, a judge heard how, at some stage, it had been converted allowing it to fire potentially deadly 9mm bullets.

McGarry is now back behind bars after he pleaded guilty to a string of firearms charges at the High Court in Glasgow today.

In 2021, he was locked up for 44 months for his role as getaway driver in a shooting at a house in Stepps, North Lanarkshire.

McGarry was caught for that crime after the stolen motor - also an Audi - was found parked outside a flat he had been living at.

He will be sentenced for this latest offence next month.

Prosecutor Chris McKenna today told how McGarry initially claimed he lived in Govan when stopped on Edmiston Drive on January 17.

However, it emerged he instead stayed in Paisley and had keys for the property on him.

Forensic checks were carried out on the firearm after it was found.

READ NEXT: School extension and new community centre approved by council

Mr McKenna said: "DNA attributable to McGarry was found on multiple parts of the handgun.

"This included the grip, trigger, a magazine release catch, the hammer, sights, release catch and the internal surface of the frame."

The advocate depute added the gun was "in working order" in both full and semi-automatic firing modes.

Mr McKenna stated due to McGarry's previous conviction he would have been prohibited, in any event, from having a gun or ammunition.

McGarry pleaded guilty to six charges under the Firearms Act including possessing the pistol and bullets.

His lawyer today said another "substantial" jail term will follow and that an extended sentence - involving McGarry being supervised on being freed again - may have to be looked at.

Tony Lenehan KC, defending, added: "What the court will come to learn, like many others on being released, he had high hopes.

"There was a business that he was trying to develop - that was thwarted and this led him to this way of earning money."

Lady Hood remanded McGarry in custody as sentencing was deferred for reports.

Following the plea, Detective Inspector David Bell said: ""This was a significant recovery and underlines our commitment to tackle violence across Scotland.

"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.

"We also rely on the support and assistance of the public. I would encourage anyone with any information or concerns to contact us through 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where anonymity can be maintained."