A Mandurah man who bought a single-barrel rifle and ammunition from a stranger in a Woolworth car park has been ordered to pay $1000.
Matthew Adrian Gardiner, 38, appeared in Mandurah Magistrates Court on Friday and pleaded guilty to the unlicensed possession of a firearm and ammunition, and breaching bail.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Pete Smith told the court officers executed a search warrant at a Stake Hill property on April 4 and discovered a .22 Winchester rifle beside Gardiner’s bed.
After his arrest, Gardiner failed to appear in court on May 18, June 29 and July 6.
Gardiner’s lawyer said his client bought the weapon for $800 in a Woolworths car park after seeing an advert on Facebook.
He said Gairdner “needed it for protection” and used it to shoot vermin and rats, to which Magistrate Anne Longden exclaimed “oh, come on”.
Ms Longden said it was “remarkable” Gairdner continued to miss court dates as it led to him spending five or six nights in custody.
He was fined $900 and ordered to pay $100 in costs.