A man with a “fascination” for firearms has been jailed after police found a sawn-off shotgun in his home.

Robert Reading, of Castle Street, Rochester, was suspected of having access to firearms.

A warrant was executed at his property which was searched out on September 2, 2022.

Officers found a sawn-off shotgun with ammunition hidden in the loft, as well as a number of legally-held air weapons.

Reading was arrested and later charged with possession of a prohibited weapon.

The 50-year-old pleaded guilty to that offence and another investigated by the Metropolitan Police.

Today (April 24) he was sentenced to six-and-a-half years’ imprisonment when he appeared at Inner London Crown Court.

Investigating officer Detective Constable Mark Simcox said: “Robert Reading admitted to having a fascination with firearms but that is no excuse for him having a sawn-off shotgun hidden in his home.

“The weapon was confirmed to be a working firearm that clearly had the potential to cause serious injury or death in the wrong hands, so it was imperative that it be removed from Reading’s possession and destroyed.

“Kent Police will always investigate when they receive information that someone may be in possession of a firearm to ensure potential victims and the wider general public are protected from harm.”