An ex-Coldstream Guard has been jailed after selling ammunition illegally to an undercover cop.
Former Lance Sgt Rajon Graham served in the regiment based near Buckingham Palace, whose purpose is to protect the monarchy.
But the 34-year-old has now been sentenced to three years behind bars after he was caught selling 300 9mm Army bullets to someone he believed was an underworld arms dealer supplying the criminal fraternity.
The buyer was in fact an undercover detective.
Graham sold 300 9mm bullets wrapped in Bacofoil bags for £5,800, calling them 'sweets,' Southwark Crown court heard, making a total of £5,800.
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Former Guardsman Graham admitted selling ammunition to the undercover detective (PA)He was arrested along with Kirtland Gill, 42, who was the first black Regimental Sergeant Major in the elite unit working at the Victoria Barracks, near Windsor Castle.
Both men had access to the bullets, issued for firing practice.
Graham admitted four counts of selling or transferring ammunition before Gill stood trial last summer.
Gill, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, denied any knowledge of the plot and was cleared by a jury of conspiracy to sell or transfer ammunition and possession of a prohibited weapon.
Prosecutor Duncan Atkins told the court: "The defendant intended the ammunition to be used for criminal purposes, or was reckless as to whether it would be used."
"There was a high risk of death or serious harm. He was selling to someone he believed was involved in dealing in drugs and had criminal associates who wanted live ammunition in the context of the drugs trade."
The former lance sergeant was a member of the Coldstream Guards, appointed to protect the Royal Family (Getty Images)Austin Stoton, defending, said Graham had had, up until now, "an impeccable service record".
The court heard he was injured during his time in Afghanistan, and after this he started to drink and fell on hard times.
A friend had suggested to Graham he could make extra money by selling ammunition, and "stupidly" decided to do so.
He was dishonourably discharged from the armed forces in October last year.
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Serving soldier Kirtland Gill was acquitted (PA)Judge David Tomlinson told Graham: "You believed the person who paid you was an active criminal, and someone you ought to have realised was part of an organised crime group.
The judge noted Graham's years of service had been effectively erased following his discharge, saying: "This is a personal tragedy for you."
Speaking from behind a screen, the undercover detective who set up the sting told how four transactions took place between 7 December 2020 and 28 January 2021.
He told the court he'd told Graham he was "nervous" being on a military camp as a criminal, claiming he thought the sale would be too "hot", meaning risky.
"He kept saying that it was fine, that I was with him and that everything would be okay.
"Shortly after he was saying that I could go with him into the armoury to view the rifles.
Graham met the undercover cop 'D' at the Coldstream Guards base (Getty Images)"I decided that was a bad idea. It was a challenge to go on the army base but now to go into an armoury with live weapons was what I perceived to be a serious criminal [sic] and I was not prepared to do that."
Graham was £1,000 in cash in the first sale, then £1,900 in a second sale of "sweeties" in a second transaction the following day.
They met again a couple of weeks later, at the end of January 2021, where 'D' agreed to move the excess ammunition via his 'links'.
This time, Graham sold 'D' 200 rounds of ammunition for £3,800.
Graham and Gill were arrested on January 28, 2021, with police searches of Graham's home uncovering BacoFoil bags from the same batch used to wrap the ammunition, as well as cash stashed in £20 notes.
Graham was given a three year prison sentence after admitting four counts of selling or transferring ammunition. He will serve half in custody.
Gill, also of Windsor, denied and was cleared of conspiracy to sell or transfer ammunition and possession of a prohibited weapon - an imitation firearm capable of discharging noxious liquid.
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