A SAWN off shotgun and a pistol recovered when a search warrant was executed at a Rock Ferry address was forensically examined and found to be in good working order, Wirral magistrates heard.

It was claimed there was nothing sinister in 32-year-old Paul Jermyn possessing the weapons. Defence solicitor Gina Reveglia said Jermyn was an ex-military man who also served in the Foreign Legion and he collected memorabilia and souvenirs.

Jermyn, of Clifford Road, Wallasey, admitted possession of the gauge bolt action single barrelled shotgun with the barrel shortened, possession of a single shot pistol and possession of 81 bulleted cartridges when not the holder of a Firearms Certificate.

The magistrates sent him to the Crown Court for sentence and bailed him to a date to be notified with two sureties of £3,000 each.

Prosecutor Richard Riley said the search at Haddon Road, Rock Ferry, took place in 1995. Jermyn gave a no comment interview. He later left the country, but was arrested in December of last year when he again said nothing.

Miss Revegila said Jermyn would never have dreamed of using the weapons. He had not given enough thought to the potential danger of possession of them.

She said the shotgun was rare and came from a MaoMao uprising in Africa and bordered on being an antique. He bought it purely for its historical interest. It had already been shortened. It was in poor condition and he did it up. He was quite shocked to discover it was in good working order.

She said the pistol had been specially adapted for competition use.

Miss Reveglia said the shotgun was the highlight of Jermyn's collection, but he had no intention of possessing firearms again. The whole court experience had been traumatic for him.

Mr Riley asked for the weapons to be forfeited. He said sawn off shotguns had no lawful use whatsoever.

Jermyn also admitted unlawful possession of cannabis resin found after the arrest in December. Sentence will also be done at the higher court.

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