EX-CON BANNED FROM KEEPING WEAPONS FOUND WITH TWO GUNS AFTER A DISPUTE
Man given lifetime ban from owning firearms after serving a previous lengthy prison sentence
EX-PRISONER Christopher Cooper has been fined after police found two air guns at his house – despite him being banned from owning them.
The 31-year-old was prohibited from possessing any firearm for life after he received a 111-month prison sentence for arson.
But he admitted that, following his release, he had used the air weapons for shooting in his garden.
Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard police were called to an incident in Joiners Square.
Prosecutor Daniel Wayne said: “Police attended an argument between the defendant and a neighbour.
“They conducted a search of the defendant’s property and found two air weapons. Pellets were also recovered.
“The defendant previously received a 111-month custodial sentence. Anyone who receives a sentence of more than three years is barred from possessing a firearm for life.
“Officers also found a couple of bags of cannabis consistent with personal use.”
Cooper, of Cornes Street, Joiners Square, was questioned about the weapons and admitted he used them in his garden.
He pleaded guilty to possessing an air weapon while prohibited, and the possession of a Class B drug.
Kate Preston, mitigating, said: “The prohibition was communicated with him upon his release from custody, together with a significant amount of other information.
“There was no wilful disregard for the prohibition, it was simply Mr Cooper’s inability to process the large amount of information given to him at that time.
“These were low level weapons, and were not loaded with any ammunition.
“He has a long-term back problem and is awaiting surgery, which has been delayed due to the pandemic.
“He’s in excruciating pain and smokes cannabis on a regular basis to cope with the pain and allow him to sleep.”
Magistrates ordered Cooper to pay a total of £259 in fines and costs.