A TEENAGER who tried to buy a gun and bullets on the dark web after becoming obsessed with mass shootings has been jailed for 16 years.

Kyle Davies, 19, had attempted to purchased the dangerous items after becoming fascinated by the Columbine High School attack and Anders Breivik's massacre in Norway.

He had been found guilty of two counts of attempting to possess a Glock 17 pistol and five rounds of 9mm ammunition with intent to danger life at a two-week trial in July.

Davies, dressed in a maroon jumper and wearing glasses, looked solemn during his sentencing hearing at Taunton Crown Court today (Fri), where he appeared via video link from HMP Brinsford.

Judge Paul Cook told Davies: "This was the culmination of months of methodical research and preparation.

"The material they found (police) was disturbing and chilling. The material showed extensive research on your part and interest in mass murders."

Davies had estimated a budget of at least £10,000 and he was arrested while awaiting his A-Level results.

During the trial, held at Gloucester Crown Court, the court heard Davies had compiled a 'manifesto of death,' which included lists of weapons, explosives and body armour needed for a mass killing.

The details included timelines and a drawing of 77 stick men to represent the victims of the 2011 attack in Norway.

The court heard Columbine killers Eric Harris and Dylan Kelbold were 'poster boys' to the defendant, who was arrested by armed police at his home.

The case was told a £300 pistol and ammunition Davies ordered was intercepted by police - and a dummy package was delivered by an undercover officer.

He had previously denied the serious offences, claiming he bought the weapon to kill himself.

However, the jury of seven women and five men failed to believe what his intentions were and convicted him unanimously.

Davies, from Wotton, Gloucester, had also previously admitted making indecent images of children.

Prosecutor Stephen Dent told the court that 'preparations were advanced', as he recapped the findings of the trial.

"The crown say Mr Davies does have paedophile tendencies," he said, referring to 250 indecent images and two movies found on two computers and an Xbox.

"Whether or not those tendencies disappear while in prison is a question for your honour."

Davies' defence counsel Peter Binder said the steps the teenager took were 'extremely important' when assessing the seriousness of matters.

He referenced the case of Liam Lyburd, who was jailed for life in 2015 for plotting a mass murder at his former college in Newcastle.

Officers found various weapons including five pipe bombs and a 9mm Luger Calibre Gock gun at his family home.

"This is a very different situation in my respectful submissions," said Mr Binder.

He conceded Davies' conduct was 'appalling', after he became 'fixated on the concept of mass shootings.' "All he has done was order a gun and bullets for test purposes," Mr Binder added.

"He had looked at a document and made lots of notes but in terms of preparations for some sort of shooting, it was not in an advanced position."

He told the court Davies had seen three psychiatrists during his 458 days in custody and been treated for a depressive illness, as well as a neuro-developmental disorder.

Davies, who rested his hand on his chin for much of the hearing, showed no emotion as he was sentenced to 16 years in prison, with an extended licence period of three years.

"You worked out your budget in excess of £10,000 and priced the equipment to assist you in carrying out a mass killing," judge Cook said.

He told Davies he had acted alone and advanced preparations by purchasing the gun and ammunition from the US, describing his 'obsession' with other killers.

"At the time you bought it your intention was a mass shooting at some point in the future," he added.

Davies' mother sat at the back of court during the hearing, which took several hours.