A BUSINESSMAN is facing a minimum five-year jail sentence after being caught with an illegal pistol and live bullets at his Army surplus store.

Steven Thompson has admitted possessing a prohibited firearm – a charge which carries the mandatory jail term – and ammunition without a licence.

The 48-year-old, from Darlington, also pleaded guilty to having two stun guns and a pepper spray when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

Thompson’s barrister, Dan Cordey, said his client accepted he would be going to jail, but said there may be arguments leading to the sentence being reduced.

The court heard that Thompson, a partner in the Genuine Army Surplus Store, North Road, Darlington, is a married father-of-three with no previous convictions.

He will return to court on September 16, either to be sentenced or to find out what prosecutors plan to do with five other charges which he has denied.

Thompson pleaded not guilty to four charges of handling stolen goods belonging to the Ministry of Defence, and to converting criminal property.

It is alleged that he handled 97 stolen parachute flares, 36 smoke grenades, ration packs and magazines, firing attachments and hand guards.

Thompson was arrested after a dramatic raid involving police and Ministry of Defence investigators in September last year.

Among the items the businessman has pleaded guilty to having illegally are a Tariq short-barrelled pistol and 19 Parabellum 9mm live bullets.

Mr Cordey told the court yesterday that Thompson bought the gun from a man who visited the shop, despite it not having a deactivation certificate.

He said: “He is aware that, save for exceptional circumstances, he will receive a sentence of five years imprisonment as a minimum.

“I certainly don’t give up on this man’s behalf, but I have given him realistic advice. I accept I face an uphill struggle.

It has to be exceptional circumstances.”

The Crown Prosecution Service will decide in a fortnight whether it is in the public interest to pursue the money laundering and handling charges.

Judge Howard Crowson granted Thompson, of Stooperdale Avenue, Darlington, unconditional bail until his next appearance.

The judge told him: “You have entered realistic pleas and no doubt you have been very well advised and you understand the difficulty of your situation. Clearly, you know that you potentially face a very long sentence.”