A man spotted in his street with an air gun has appeared before magistrates.

Paul Gaunt, of Melland Street, Darlington, was seen carrying the BSA 22 calibre air gun near his home on April 8.

The 34-year-old pleaded guilty to possessing an air weapon in a public place at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates Court today (May 15).

Alan Davison, prosecuting, said the weapon was unloaded and that Gaunt told police he had been testing the firing mechanism.

Stephanie Thompson, mitigating, said: "He fully accepts he was in possession of an unloaded air rifle.

“He fired the weapon three times to weaken the springs. There were no bullets in it at the time."

Magistrates adjourned the case until June 12 for probation reports.

Gaunt received unconditional bail.