A MAN appeared in court yesterday charged with possession of a banned firearm and ammunition after a car was stopped by armed police.

It was alleged that, during a search of the black Jaguar, police found a pistol and five rounds of ammunition under the bonnet.

The owner of the car was named as Domenyk James Lattlay Fottfoy.

The car had been driven from Manchester, the magistrates' court was told.

It was heading north on the A1 when it was stopped by police on the A167, near Darlington, on Monday morning.

Mr Lattlay Fottfoy, formally known as Noonan, of Bacup Street, Manchester, appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court, County Durham, accused of possession of a prohibited weapon - a converted 9mm revolver - and possession of ammunition - five .357 magnum rounds.

The 40-year-old, who runs a security firm, also faces charges of possession of a firearm without a certificate.

Aaron Shane Berry, 19, of Tatmouth Avenue, Manchester, is also accused of possession of a banned firearm, possession of a firearm and possession of ammunition.

A 17-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was also accused of possession of a firearm in a public place and of possession of ammunition.

All the charges related to the same gun and five magnum rounds of ammunition.

No formal pleas were entered.

All three co-accused were remanded in custody to appear at Teesside Crown Court, on Thursday May 18, at 10am.