Man found with gun and butterfly knife after primary school alerted police

A man who was found with a gun, butterfly knife and thousands of pounds of cocaine after a primary school 'raised concerns' has been put behind bars.

A 'safeguarding concern' was first raised about Bernard Oliver by a primary school in Oldham in December of last year, police said. This related to him 'possibly possessing a firearm'.

The 45-year-old was arrested later that day and while searching him, officers found a tub with 10 snap bags of cocaine inside. Police then searched his house and found a multiple weapons in a safe.

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These included a Dan Wesson silver CO2 BB Revolver, four rounds of imitation ammunition, an expanding police-style baton, a butterfly knife and a black and blue BB gun. Officers also uncovered cannabis and a debtor's list written on notepad paper.

The white powder found on Oliver and at his home later tested positive as cocaine - valued between around £5,000 and £7,500. At Bolton Crown Court yesterday (November 13), Oliver, of Balfour Street, Oldham, admitted possession with intent to supply Class A and B drugs, as well as possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of a prohibited weapon.

He was jailed for 54 months. A forfeiture and destruction order was also put in place.

After the sentencing, Detective Constable Masterton of GMP Oldham’s CID said: "Firstly, the bravery of the witnesses and those involved in reporting this matter has resulted in a positive and safe result and I can’t commend them enough for doing this. They undoubtedly did the right thing and shows