A man who illegally carried three air weapons down a Braintree street has been given a conditional discharge.

Chelmsford Magistrates' Court heard yesterday that Simon Lockley was banned for life from possessing or carrying firearms when he received a three-year prison sentence for conspiracy to burgle in 1996.

But magistrates took the "exceptional" decision to conditionally discharge Lockley, 39, after hearing he had removed the weapons from his brother-in-law because he was concerned for the safety of children in the household. Lockley had admitted the offence at an earlier hearing.

Lorraine Webb, prosecuting, said on May 17 police stopped Lockley in Gilchrist Way, Braintree.

He was carrying an air pistol and two air rifles. None of the weapons were loaded, but Lockley faced charges because of his weapons ban.

Miss Webb said Lockley, of Wingate Close, Braintree, who has 43 previous convictions for 121 offences, was not carrying the weapons in a threatening manner.

Shereen Dyer, mitigating, said Lockley had removed the weapons from the Coldnailhurst Avenue address after hearing his brother-in-law was firing them around the house and had shot the family dog.

Lockley was given a two-year conditional discharge. An order was made to destroy the air guns.

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