A STORE warehouseman was told to expect a lengthy prison sentence after admitting possessing six prohibited stun guns.

Police recovered the weapons from Robert Downes’ home at Eden Close, Coundon, near Bishop Auckland, following a tip-off, on August 3.

Durham Crown Court heard that three were disguised as mobile phones, two appeared to be knuckle-dusters and the other was within a baton.

The 61-year-old today (Wednesday, November 7) admitted three charges of possessing a disguised firearm without authority, plus three others of possessing a prohibited weapon.

Christopher Williamson, prosecuting, said such offences should be met with a minimum sentence requirement of five years, in law.

Martin Towers, for Downes, said: "This is a man who has been out of trouble for more than 40 years and it will be the intention of the defence to argue exceptional circumstances."

Judge Penny Moreland adjourned sentence for  background reports and granted Downes bail.

But she added: “It will have been explained to you that the virtual inevitable sentence is immediate custody. Do you understand?”

Downes replied: “Yes, I understand.”

He will return to court to be sentenced on Friday November 30.