Electrician Joshua James McCartan jailed on weapons charges

An established Sunshine Coast business owner and tradie will miss his daughter’s first birthday after being jailed for sending a weapon in the mail for cash.

A Wurtulla electrician and business owner has been jailed after he was caught by police supplying a weapon through the mail.

Joshua James McCartan said goodbye to his family in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Friday November 11 after he was ordered to serve actual jail time for supplying a barrel to a criminal for money.

Police prosecutor David Bradley told the court a joint operation by the police and Australian Border Force intercepted the package on December 20, 2021.

Senior Sergeant Bradley said investigations revealed the Wurtulla family man had been supplying major components of a weapon in exchange for cash.

It was later established the 37-year-old’s customer was a “serious criminal offender”.

Joshua James McCartan was sentenced in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on November 11. Picture: Barry Leddicoat

A search warrant executed at McCartan’s home uncovered financial transactions for the weapon part supply along with another firearm which was not registered.

Defence barrister Frank Martin told the court the New Zealand born man had essentially sold a barrel to the customer for $550.

Mr Martin said McCartan had joined the air force in his younger years after migrating to Australia and later became an electrician.

The court heard due to the jail term proposed by police the Wurtulla man would miss his daughter’s first birthday.

McCartan pleaded guilty to the unlawful supply of a category b weapon and possessing an unregistered firearm and was sentenced to 12 months’ jail.

This would be suspended for a year after he served four months in prison.

The Wurtulla man gave an emotional farewell to his loved ones as he was led away to custody.

Convictions were recorded.