Warwick Uni professor helps convict gunmaker

A University of Warwick professor has been praised for his help in working to convict an illegal arms manufacturer of 3D printing weapons. 

Professor Mark Williams, Director of the Centre for imaging, Metrology, and Additive Technology (CiMAT) at Warwick Manufacturing Group (WMG), played a key role in the conviction of David Biddell-Portman for gun making in June 2023. 

As part of Operation Captiva, a campaign to reduce gun-related violence, West Midlands Police seized 3D-printed weapons from David Biddell-Portman in December 2020. Professor Williams, an expert in 3D printing and scanning technologies, provided critical forensic analysis.

By making this sort of technology available to the public sector, we’re ensuring it’s not just big companies that have access to cutting edge techniques

Prof. Mark Williams, Director of CiMAT, WMG

His examination used 3D scanning machines, which are 100 times more powerful than a medical CAT scanner, to reveal that the guns contained a combination of metal and plastic components. This proved their status as posing a serious threat, evidence that was key in securing Biddell-Portman’s five-year prison sentence. 

Professor Mark Williams noted: “It’s satisfying to see justice served, and I’m glad to use our technology in any way we can to help the efforts of West Midlands Police.” 

He added: “By making this sort of technology available to the public sector, we’re ensuring it’s not just big companies that have access to cutting edge techniques.” 

This partnership is invaluable to West Midlands Police. The strength and commitment is truly unique, and the boundaries are limitless

Michelle Painter, Deputy Head of Forensics, West Midlands Police

While 3D printed weapons can often defy categorisation due to their homemade nature, West Midlands Police were able to use the scans to compare the seized items to professionally made firearms, fortifying the case against Biddell-Portman. 

Michelle Painter, Deputy Head of Forensics at West Midlands Police, praised the collaboration, stating: “This partnership is invaluable to West Midlands Police. The strength and commitment is truly unique, and the boundaries are limitless.” 

She continued: “The application of the use of Micro CT scanning in criminal cases continues to be innovative and ground-breaking and progresses investigations and brings justice for victims.” 

This successful conviction highlights the long-standing partnership between Professor Williams and West Midlands Police. 

The scanning technology provided by Williams has been utilised in over three hundred cases, reinforcing the crucial role of cutting-edge technology in modern forensic investigations and convictions.