Teenager spared jail for 3D-printing semi-automatic gun at home

21 January 2025, 10:50 | Updated: 21 January 2025, 12:22

Police discovered the homemade semi-automatic weapon during a search in May 2023 of the house James Maris
Police discovered the homemade semi-automatic weapon during a search in May 2023 of the house James Maris. Picture: COPFS

By Rebecca Brady

A man has been sentenced after trying to build a 3D-printed gun on a printer he was given as a Christmas present.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

James Maris, 19, will wear an electronic tag and serve a three-year community payback order after attempting to construct a FGC-9 weapon - described as the "world's most popular 3D-printed gun."

The 19-year-old admitted four charges under the Firearms Act (1968) after Police Scotland received intelligence he had ordered parts for a semi-automatic rifle online. They raided his parents’ home in Perthshire in May 2023, arresting Maris.

Maris attempted to construct a FGC-9 weapon - described as the "world's most popular 3D-printed gun."
Maris attempted to construct a FGC-9 weapon - described as the "world's most popular 3D-printed gun.". Picture: COPFS

The charges include the manufacture and possession of a prohibited weapon or prohibited ammunition.

Read more: 'Terrorism has changed': PM says Southport killings 'must be a line in the sand for Britain'

Read more: Fury as Elon Musk appears to do 'Nazi salute' at Trump inauguration rally

James Maris attempted to construct a FGC-9 weapon using a 3D printer
James Maris attempted to construct a FGC-9 weapon using a 3D printer. Picture: Alamy

Detectives found a handwritten note alongside the printed parts of the gun, saying it wasn’t intended to cause harm, nor to spread ‘any message or belief’. Maris wrote that he held no radical views but was simply interested in firearms and engineering.

Sentencing, Judge Lady Hood said “A community disposal rather than a custodial disposal is appropriate in your case”.

She took account of the “exceptional circumstances” raised in Maris’ criminal justice social work report, alongside the accused pleading guilty at the earliest opportunity.

Over the next three years, James Maris has been ordered to complete 300 hours of unpaid work, he must report to a social worker regularly, is restricted from leaving his home between 8pm and 6pm daily and he must wear an electronic tagging device.

Maris has also been banned from owning more than one mobile phone and computer, from using encryption software and from wiping his browsing history.

Lady Hood has ordered the 19-year-old to hand over all of his passwords to social workers and police, allowing them access to randomly inspect his devices at any time.

Failing to comply with any of these requirements could land Maris with a fine, resentencing and possibly imprisonment.

James Maris spoke at the High Court in Edinburgh to confirm he understood the community payback order imposed upon him and that he would comply with its conditions.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

A British couple was reportedly found dead by a neighbour in Les Pesquiès, south of Villefranche-de-Rouergue.

British couple found dead inside 'isolated' French villa in 'feared burglary gone wrong'

Exclusive
Commuter backlash after Network Rail 'erases trains from departure boards' early to 'ease rush'

Commuter backlash after Network Rail 'erases trains from departure boards early' to 'ease passenger rush'

b

Knife arches in schools are welcome - but who is going to pay for them?

James Evans, 19, left, and Justin Keeling (formerly Evans), 18, right, have admitted to starting a massive fire that sparked a mass evacuation.

Two teens admit starting huge fire that 'ripped residents out of homes' during summer riots

Inga Gehricke, five, went missing following a family barbecue in Germany back in 2015.

Police launch fresh search efforts for missing girl linked to prime Madeleine McCann suspect

v

School named after Prince Andrew set to rebrand to something less 'controversial'

The Princess Royal during a visit to Southmead Hospital in Bristol to thank the team of doctors, nurses and health professionals who treated her following her accident in June 2024.

Princess Anne returns to the intensive care unit where she had treatment for head injuries

A utility firm has admitted its equipment started one of the LA fires last month.

California utility says its equipment likely sparked fire that raged through LA

Yusuf Kayat, 54, from Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, has been jailed for 20 years

Paedophile who plied girl, 10, with alcohol, cigarettes, and cannabis before grooming her for sex with other men jailed

Salim Iskef, 29, was one of ten people killed by lone gunman Rickard Andersson, 35, at Orebro's Risbergska adult education centre on Tuesday.

Heartbreaking final words of Sweden mass shooting victim shared with mum and fiancé revealed

Exclusive
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer speaks to the media during a visit to Springfields (Preston Lab), National Nuclear Laboratory.

UK must make it harder to buy knives online to prevent repeat of Southport killings, PM tells LBC

UK resident comes forward to claim £83m EuroMillions jackpot

UK winner comes forward to claim £83.5million EuroMillions jackpot 13 days after draw

Cold Snap Brings Freezing Temperatures To Parts Of UK

Cold health alerts issued as temperatures set to plummet over weekend as the Beast from the East returns

Lucy Letby has been described as 'dangerous, weird and whining' in jail

'Dangerous, weird and whining': Inside Lucy Letby's life behind bars

A British content creator who flew to Spain to buy olive oil has claimed his whole round trip was cheaper than buying a bottle in the UK.

‘I flew to Spain and bought olive oil for under £7.38 - that's how much a bottle costs in Britain'

Russia's President Vladimir Putin

Foreign Office expels Russian diplomat in retaliation amid 'spying' row