Browse Sections

• Education
• Special reports

Dad hid shotguns behind kids’ game

Kathryn Ryan
20/ 3/2008

A FATHER who kept six double barrelled shotguns hidden behind a children’s game has been locked up for two years.

The arsenal of weapons was discovered during a drugs raid at the home last November.

Although no drugs were found at the house, in Tellson Crescent, Duchy, police discovered guns hidden behind a children’s game and a handbag, which had been shoved behind the kitchen units.

In interview Mark Shields, 46, who admitted firearms offences, told police he had found them while walking his dogs and had been intending to hand them in.

At Minshull Street Crown Court Judge Jonathan Geake told Shields: "This was an arsenal of six shotguns, they were not shortened but if they fell into the wrong hands they could have been.

"If they had been sold on and fallen into the wrong hands they could have been used in serious crime and even death."

In prosecuting Barrie Darby said: "One officer went into the kitchen and had a look over the top of the units.

"He climbed on the unit and removed a children’s game and a woman’s handbag from the top of the unit.

"He saw two double barrelled shotguns.

"He left them in situ and went to speak to Mr Shields.

"He told the officer they had been there when he moved in."

Shields then admitted he had no licence and he was arrested.

When asked if he had any more weapons he admitted there were four more double barrelled shotguns in the house.

Included in the arsenal was a Lloyd shotgun, a Spanish shotgun, a Charles Lancaster and a Charles Smith shotgun.

Mr Darby told the court: "Most had been discharged and all were in working order.

"When the defendant was interviewed he said he had found them while walking his dog eight weeks before at the back of Salford tip.

"He said he had picked them up and taken them home then waited for an opportunity when his wife and children were out to hide them in the kitchen.

"He said he had initally intended to sell them and make money for Christmas but then he was waiting for the opportunity to hand them in."

In mitigation, Ciaran Rankin said: "This was an opportunistic endeavour.

"He is far too old for this sort of thing and he knows that."

Most recent 1 of 1 user comments