Three men caught in possession of a 'robber's kit' including a 9mm handgun have been sentenced to more than 20 years in prison.

At approximately 8pm on 7 January officers from the Met's Central Task Force, assisted by Specialist Firearms Officers searched a stationary green Chrysler Voyager people carrier in Garnham Place, Stoke Newington, N16. The car had been stolen and was displaying false number plates. Inside the car was Victor Bowes in the driver's seat, with Mark Jordan and Stephen Glenn in the rear passenger seats.

Officers searched the car and the three men inside and found what is commonly referred to as a robbery kit. Under the rear seat where Jordan had been sitting, was a 9mm converted 'Baikal' handgun.

In the rear foot well where Glenn had been sitting, was a pair of latex gloves and some cable ties. Cable ties were also found inside Glenn's trouser pockets. Bowes was searched and found to be in possession of a black balaclava and some latex gloves and Jordan was found to have latex gloves and a black woolly hat.

All three men were immediately arrested for firearm offences and later interviewed, charged and remanded into custody.

During interview, Glenn claimed to have been on his way to work on a friend's car and this was why he was carrying cable ties and gloves. He claimed not to know the other two passengers in the car and denied any knowledge of the gun, but later changed his plea to guilty of its possession.

When Jordan was interviewed, he claimed to have been walking home when Bowes and Jordan drove past, both of whom he knew. He got into the car for a lift and was just about to leave, when police officers stopped the car.

Bowes provided a brief prepared statement denying his involvement in interview and after that, provide 'no comment' answers.

- Stephen Glenn, 29, unemployed of Hebden Court, Hackney, E8 pleaded guilty to possession of a prohibited weapon at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 14/07/08. He was sentenced to five years imprisonment.

- Victor Bowes, 40, unemployed of no fixed abode was found guilty at trial for possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

- Mark Jordan, 38, unemployed of Maiden Lane, Camden, NW1 was found guilty at trial for possession of a firearm with intent to commit robbery. He was sentenced to eight years imprisonment.

Detective Inspector Grant Mallon from the Met's Central Task Force East, said: "We are convinced that these three individuals intended to carry out a violent criminal act in Hackney that night, which was only prevented by our actions. We are continuing to target all those who believe they can either distribute or go on to use firearms within the capital."