Man who had shotgun at foot of bed to appear for sentence

A man who had a shotgun at the foot of his bed will appear for sentence at Perth Sheriff Court on May 3.

On Tuesday, the court heard that James Robertson, 41, of East Currach Lodge, Crieff, had returned home to find police officers investigating the theft of two firearms, when he was questioned about the unusual find.

Depute fiscal Carol Whyte said Robertson held a licence for three rifles and seven shotguns – kept in three cabinets – and the property was locked when he left at 6.15am.

“The accused’s mother left at 9.25am and returned 90 minutes later, only to find there had been a break-in,” she said.

“Police were called and arrived around 11.40am.

“Officers saw a window in the rear door had been smashed, allowing thieves to unlock the door and then gain entry.”

The court heard the police noticed two guns had been taken but also found another firearm was located at the foot of the accused’s bed.

“The accused returned home around 3pm and the officers asked him why he had this gun in a plastic case at the foot of his bed,” Ms Whyte added.

“Robertson told them it was going to be taken away for repair.

“The accused was cautioned and charged by police but when interviewed by officers he made no reply.”

Robertson admitted that being the holder of a shotgun certificate, he failed to comply with the conditions of the certificate in that he failed to have the shotgun securely stored on October 4 last year at his home address.

Sheriff Gillian Wade deferred sentence for Robertson to make a personal appearance.