Man admits possessing gun despite ban

A former armed robber from Castletown will be sentenced next month after breaking a lifetime ban on possessing firearms.

25-year-old Ryan Smith, of Northcroft Apartments, appeared at Douglas Courthouse yesterday. 

He pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm whilst prohibited and unlawful possession of cannabis. 

The court heard Smith was banned from handling firearms by Liverpool Crown Court in 2007 after being convicted of robbery and serving a subsequent prison sentence. 

However on October 29th last year he went to the clay pigeon shooting range in Santon and signed out a shotgun and ammunition for use on the site. 

Police became aware and went round to his flat on July 7 this year - however on arrival they smelt cannabis and found a joint and 1.2 grams of the Class B drug. 

Social Enquiry Reports have been requested before Smith is sentenced on September 26 - he's been bailed in the meantime.