A FORMER inmate breached firearms regulations after buying an air rifle for use by his girlfriend months after his release from prison.

When police visited her home, in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, in July, James Swainston Vint pointed out the .22 weapon in a living room alcove.

Although it was not loaded, officers recovered a bag containing air pellets, for use with the rifle.

Durham Crown Court heard it was in working order, although a telescopic night sight attachment was not fully functioning.

Steven Orange, prosecuting, said Vint served a four-month prison sentence, for driving while disqualified, last year.

On his release, he signed a standard form stating he could not possess a firearm, of any description, within five years of the end of the sentence.

Mr Orange said the prohibition applies to former inmates on release after sentences of more than three months.

Vint told police he bought the air rifle for £12 at a car boot sale in Stockton. He said it was for his girlfriend, who he was teaching to use it.

Vint also pointed out another gun to police, which he said he paid £35 for, but it was not working.

Aisha Wadoodi, for Vint, said had it not been for his previous prison sentence, it would not be illegal for him to possess the weapon without a certificate, adding: "He did not think it was a problem if he bought it for someone else."

Vint, 24, of David Terrace, Coronation, Bishop Auckland, admitted possessing a firearm while prohibited.

Recorder Andrew Lees said it was a serious offence, which legal authorities suggest merits a prison sentence even after a guilty plea.

But he agreed to defer sentence for six months, as he was told Vint is already under probation supervision for a separate offence of assault.

He warned Vint any further offending would breach the conditions of the deferment, with a likely custodial sentence to follow.