A MAN was fined after fraudulently filling in an application to own a shotgun.
Eric Nunn said he had no convictions on the form - failing to mention a driving ban from more 20 years ago.
When his true record was discovered he was arrested and the application turned down.
The 38-year-old, of Lizard Lane, Whitburn, pleaded guilty to making a false statement to procure a police permit for a shotgun at South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court yesterday.
Paul Anderson, prosecuting, said: “He made the application on October 8.
“The form requires people to disclose any convictions and the defendant said he had none.
“It became apparent that there was some spent convictions on his record which he failed to mention.”
Defending himself, Nunn said: “When I filled the form in I didn’t think driving convicting would have anything to do with it.
“They were off so long ago when I was a daft young lad, now I’m a family man and have my own business and like to think I’m a nice person and a respectable member of society.
“I go out shooting regularly with friends and its a nightmare having to share guns so I wanted to apply to have one of my own.”
Magistrates fined Nunn £200 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £20 victim surcharge.
Chairman of the bench Ian Alexander said: “We’re prepared to accept that this was a naive oversight on your behalf.”