James Waud: Newtown man faces court over 3D printed guns

A married inner west tradie has been charged after riot police raided his home and allegedly seized a 3D printed semiautomatic pistol, a 3D printer along with others gun parts and ammo. Police alleged he was manufacturing black market weapons from the family home.

James Martin Waud, pictured here, is accused of 3D printing a pistol from his Newtown home.

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An inner west concreter is alleged to be behind the manufacturing of black market guns from his Newtown home, according to police.

Officers from the riot squad swooped in on James Martin Waud, 32, on Monday morning after a lengthy investigation into the distribution of guns across state borders.

The drugs and firearms squad had been looking into the supply of firearms across the country since November 2018.

The 3D printed gun found by police.

James Martin Waud, pictured on his wedding day.

Their probe led them to the home Waud shares with his wife this week, who has not been charged or accused of any wrongdoing, where they allegedly uncovered a 3D printed semiautomatic pistol, a 3D printer, more printed gun parts and ammunition.

Pictures taken by detectives inside the property show the set up of Waud’s alleged operation.

One shows the printer itself in the yard of the property with others showing the alleged weapon Waud is accused of manufacturing.

Police had been acting on information about the importation of gun parts from the United States through registered post.

Waud did not apply for bail during a brief mention in court today.

The 3D printer seized by police.

Waud has been charged with manufacturing the pistol, unlicenced possession of ammunition and a pistol, not safely storing the weapon and acquiring it without authority to do so.

3D printed guns are often used by criminals to avoid detection from authorities who would otherwise have a paper trail to trace a legally registered firearm.

Waud did not enter any pleas to the charges and did not apply for bail but waved and blew a kiss to family members in the public gallery.

His matter was adjourned to be heard back in the same court later this year.

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