A Pinjarra man who dumped a loaded firearm in public open space avoided an immediate prison term after fronting Mandurah Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Christian James Berry, 32, appeared in custody where he had been held since his arrest on Sunday.
He pleaded guilty to a string of charges including possession of a firearm while intoxicated, possession of an unlawfully altered firearm, possession of a silencer, failing to ensure safe-keeping of firearm/ammunition and breach of a violence restraining order.
The court heard police were called to Berry’s home on October 23 following reports he was intoxicated and in control of a loaded weapon.
A subsequent police search uncovered a bag Berry had hidden in nearby bushland which contained a loaded, sawn-off shotgun and high-velocity ammunition.
Berry told police he had found the weapon seven months ago in Cannington, and had planned to dump it in the river.
Counsel for Berry said her client had been drinking that day and had been struggling with worsening depression.
The prosecution urged an immediate sentence of imprisonment, but Magistrate Vivien Edwards imposed a seven-month term and suspended it for 12 months.
Berry was also placed on a community-based order for 12 months with program and supervision requirements.
He must undergo counselling and will be subjected to random urinalysis.
Berry was also fined $1000 plus court costs of $98.50 and ordered to complete 80 hours of community service work.
