A Northumberland man was found in possession of a revolver and two shotguns following a Christmas-time crash.
Ian Richard Bell was behind the wheel of a Range Rover when he was involved in a crash after a trip to the pub over the Christmas holidays. The crash was so severe, the 59-year-old had to be removed from his vehicle when police and paramedics arrived at the scene.
But when police checked his car, they were surprised to find a revolver. Officers then searched his Hexham home and discovered two shotguns before he was arrested.
(Image: Durham Constabulary)
Bell, of Rosehip Cottage, Hexham, appeared at Durham Crown Court to be sentenced for two counts of possession of a shotgun and one count of possessing a firearm. He had pleaded guilty to the offences.
Deborah Smithies, prosecuting, said on December 23, 2023, Bell was involved in a collision in County Durham. Following the crash, Bell and the other motorist were trapped inside their vehicles and had to be removed before police conducted a search.
She said: “Police looked inside [Bell’s] vehicle and were surprised to find an item that looked like a firearm. His home address was then searched.” The court heard that two shotguns were found in the home, with Bell telling officers a friend had given them to him.
Sue Hirst, defending, said Bell was of previous good character and that the offences stemmed from when he and his partner had purchased an old home in Northumberland. She said: “They were building a life together and intended to furnish the property in keeping with the period of it. He sought the assistance of a friend who had an interest in antiques.
“Before he and his partner moved into the property, his friend gave him a shotgun which he displayed on his wall in the hallway of his house. He later gave him another shotgun to go with his display. He had no idea it was illegal to have those guns.”
Ms Hirst added: “In December 2023 he went to visit his friend who was terminally ill. He gave him an old revolver as a Christmas present. The defendant didn’t want it as it didn’t go with his display, but he accepted it. He made the foolish decision to leave it in his car when they went out for a Christmas drink. He was involved in an accident leaving the pub.
“He only had it in his possession for a few hours. He never intended to do anything illegal with it.” Ms Hirst added that the offences were committed due to Bell’s “lack of knowledge”.
Bell was given an 18 month community order and must carry out 200 hours unpaid work. He must also pay £1,000 costs.
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View news Source: https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/northumberland-man-found-possession-revolver-30863813
