Police searched Jay Hope’s home after a neighbour reported he had a gun.
Thirty-three-year-old Hope appeared from custody at Jedburgh Sheriff Court on Friday and admitted having an air pistol at his home in Beattie Court, Hawick, on October 8. Having previously received a 22-month jail term, Hope had been banned from having a firearm until five years after his release date.
“A neighbour was invited to his home and he took him into a bedroom, opened a chest of drawers and showed him a handgun,” explained depute procurator fiscal Tessa Bradley, adding: “The man, who had some military experience, perceived the gun to be real, so reported the incident to police.”
Officers called at the house with a search warrant and found an air pistol.
Robert More, defending, said his client was “not aware of the statutory provision” prohibiting him from having a firearm for five years after his release date.
“He says he was given it as a gift by his then partner in October 2010. He lived in the countryside until 2000 and used firearms for vermin control and shooting at targets,” said the lawyer, adding: “He says there was no ammunition for it.”
Mr More said Hope had co-operated fully with police, giving them the air pistol which was locked in a cabinet.
Sentence was deferred until March 15 for reports and Hope, who is currently living in Edinburgh, was released on bail.