A MAN has been fined for owning an air rifle without a suitable firearms certificate.

Kevin Thompson, of Church Close Spennymoor, appeared before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe yesterday.

The court heard that police found the Weihrauch air rifle in a cupboard during a search of his home on an unrelated investigation.

Tests showed the rifle was so powerful, the owner needed to have a certificate.

Bill Brabban, prosecuting, said: "The weapon is considered especially dangerous and the authority of a firearms certificate is required."

He added: "In fairness to Mr Thompson, I stress that there is no suggestion or evidence that the weapon was being kept for any unlawful purpose."

Magistrates were told that Thompson, 30, had bought the gun second-hand from a sports shop in Bishop Auckland in connection with vermin control at his father's farm.

He experienced problems cocking the gun and bought a new spring, but said that did not seem to make it any better or worse.

Thompson, who admitted the offence, was fined £75 and ordered to pay £55 prosecution costs.

Magistrates ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the rifle.