A FORMER Tendring Council leader is to face trial on firearms charges.
Peter Balbirnie denied possessing a .22 sound moderator – a silencer – and a single 12-bore solid slug cartridge without a licence, when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court.
The case was adjourned for a trial date to be fixed and the 66-year-old was granted bail.
The charges allege Balbirnie did not have a firearms certificate for the items, which were found at his home in Larkfield Road, Great Bentley on June 11, 2009.
Balbirnie was chairman of Tendring Council from 2007-8 and has been a district councillor for almost 30 years.
He is also on Little Clacton, Weeley and Great Bentley parish councils.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article