A roofer who brought an air pistol back to the island on the ferry has been fined £600.

Ashley Nicholas Stewart had previously admitted an offence of possessing a regulated weapon with a certificate but denied one of possessing an imitation firearm.

But on Tuesday, the 29-year-old, who lives at Demesne Road, Douglas, changed his plea to the second charge to guilty.

Stewart said he was bringing the air pistol back to the island for a farmer friend who wanted it for rodent control.

He claimed was told by the salesperson in Bradford from whom he bought it that it was legal to bring it to the island.

Prosecuting advocate Rebecca Cubbon told the court that police received information on June 27 regarding Stewart, who was travelling to the island on the Ben my Chree.

He was driving a BMW and police subsequently stopped him on arrival for a search.

Stewart told officers that he had a gas pistol in the boot of the car.

An air pistol was found which was said to have the appearance of a Colt 1911 gun.

It was examined by the police’s firearms unit, which confirmed that it fired 1.7 calibre pellets.

When interviewed Stewart gave ’no comment’ responses to all questions.

A search of his home found 0.8 grams of cannabis.

A probation report said that Stewart was a roofer who had lost his job but was hoping to start work again shortly.

The report said that Stewart had numerous previous convictions in the UK and was banned from the island for five years in 2013 under an exclusion order.

Stewart told probation he regretted not doing research and said he had just listened to the advice given in the shop in the UK.

He was said to be in a relationship on the island and intending to remain here.

Defence advocate Stephen Wood said that his client had gone to the UK to attend a funeral.

Mr Wood said that Stewart was in the shop and on the phone to his friend when he had been asked to buy the air pistol. A letter from Stewart’s friend was provided to the court.

The advocate said that Stewart had lost his job as a result of reports on the case.

’He has a large number of historical convictions,’ said Mr Wood. ’But it is clear he has matured. Whilst there isn’t a defence of not knowing the law, we would ask for an element of understanding after being told by the shopkeeper it was legal. It was a foolish error.’

Mr Wood went on to say that community service would be difficult for his client as his aunt in the UK was seriously ill and he wanted to visit her regularly.

Deputy High Bailiff James Brooks told Stewart: ’I do find the circumstances surprising, that you happened to be in a shop selling air weapons when your friend asked you to buy one.’

Stewart was also fined £350 for the cannabis offence and ordered to pay £350 prosecution costs, in light of work done in preparation for a trial after his initial not guilty plea.

He will pay at a rate of £100 per week.