Elderly man facing prison for firearms offences
Essex man David Cole pleaded guilty at Ipswich Crown Court - Credit: Charlotte Bond
An elderly man has been told by a judge that he could be facing prison after he admitted four firearms offences.
David Cole, 73, of London Road, Copford, near Colchester, appeared at Ipswich Crown Court on Tuesday for a plea and trial preparation hearing.
Cole pleaded guilty to possessing a shotgun without a certificate, possessing a firearm without a firearms certificate, and two charges of possessing a prohibited smooth-bore gun on June 11, 2019.
The court heard that Cole previously pleaded guilty to possessing a knife in a public place at the magistrates' court.
A psychiatric report was ordered for Cole ahead of his sentence.
Judge Emma Peters told Cole: "These are serious charges. You should prepare for the very real possibility that you will be going to prison."
Cole will be sentenced at Ipswich Crown Court on April 27.