THREE men are to be tried in Bradford in the first UK prosecution involving the alleged seizure of sub-machine guns manufactured on a 3D printer.

The defendants, two of them from Bradford, face charges including conspiring with others to transfer prohibited firearms.

Today, their trial, lasting up to two weeks, was set to begin on February 6 after they denied all the charges against them.

Sibusiso Moyo, 41, of Elloughton Grove, Hull, appeared before Bradford Crown Court on a video link to HMP Leeds where he is remanded in custody.

Majeed Rehman, 45, of Central Avenue, Little Horton, Bradford, and Christopher Gill, 35, of Dick Lane, Tyersal, Bradford, are both on bail.

All three pleaded not guilty to conspiring with others to transfer a FGC-9 hybrid carbine sub-machine gun to persons unknown, between May 15 and 17.

All three men also denied possession of eight 9mm Luger cartridges without holding a firearms certificate on May 17 at Bradford.

Mayo and Gill pleaded not guilty to two counts of having a prohibited weapon for sale or transfer, namely a carbine sub-machine gun, between January 1, 2022, and May 17.

Stephen Wood QC, for the Crown, told the court this was the first prosecution in the country relating to the 3D printer manufacture of complete firearms and live ammunition.

He said he anticipated that there would be evidence in the trial about whether or not the guns were made in the UK.

Jeremy Hill-Baker, Moyo’s barrister, said that expert witnesses would be called to give evidence to the jury on DNA and phone evidence.

The court heard there would be applications for some witnesses who were firearms officers to give their evidence anonymously.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Richard Mansell QC, fixed a further case management hearing for January 20 to ensure the case is ready for trial the following month. He told the defendants they need not attend on that occasion.

He said he did not yet know who the trial judge would be but the case would definitely be heard at Bradford Crown Court.

Given the unique nature of the case Judge Mansell said it may be tried by a High Court Judge.

Moyo was remanded back into custody and Rehman and Gill had their bail enlarged to the date of the trial.