A convicted criminal who bought himself a BB gun did not realise he was banned from owning a firearm, a court heard.

Jordan Gray was given a four-month suspended sentence in July last year after being charged with possessing a knife.

In England, if someone receives a custodial sentence of between three months and three years, which includes suspended sentences, they are automatically prohibited from having a gun for five years.

Last Wednesday (July 10), Sevenoaks magistrates heard police found the weapon - an air pistol - at the 28-year-old’s home in Snodland on April 9 after a tip-off.

Sidumiso Moyo, prosecuting, said: “Police attended his address and seized the gun.

“It was a Swiss Arms, stainless steel, semi-automatic gun. They also seized metal pellets and a gas canister.

“It was tested (by police) and met the threshold for a firearm.”

Lewis Holloway, mitigating, told magistrates the gun was not the sort his client had needed a certificate for.

He added: “He bought it as a hobby, something to do - target shooting. He made frank admissions (in interview) and pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity.

“I’ve never seen a judge or a lay bench give advice to someone about not being able to have a gun for the next five years.

“I know ignorance is not a defence but he was not given that information and wouldn’t be aware.

“You could give him a financial penalty. It would be unjust to activate his suspended sentence. He just wasn’t aware it was an offence.

“He told probation he had it as he didn’t think he was doing anything wrong.”

Magistrates decided not to activate his suspended sentence as they felt it would be unjust.

They also said they understood Gray, of Saltings Road, had not been told by his solicitor or anyone at the time he got the conviction for the bladed article that he was not allowed to own a gun for five years.

However, Gray, who is on benefits, was fined £120 for the offence and an order to destroy the weapon was made.

He must also pay a victim surcharge of £48 as well as £85 court costs.