A MAN who had a loaded shotgun stolen from the passenger seat of his car has been given a hefty fine for not storing it in a secure place.

John Jordan, aged 60, of Lower Broadheath, near Worcester, admitted failing to comply with the conditions of his shotgun licence when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court.

Emma Lile, prosecuting, said Jordan was working on his farm on Saturday, November 14, before leaving the loaded weapon on the front passenger seat with the car keys in the ignition.

The conditions of the licence stated the shotgun must be locked up securely when not in use.

Ms Lile said Jordan had left the gun in the car because his feet were too dirty to walk through the house and put it back in the gun cabinet.

Jordan had called the police when he noticed the shotgun missing from the car. Jordan, representing himself, said he used the gun to scare predators away from his fishing pools.

He said the car was parked more than 30 yards away from any public areas and he was “well-known” in the area for not allowing people to have access to his property. He said: “I have had a gun licence for 40 years. It has taken me 60 years to become a criminal.”

Jordan told the court he has now fitted a new gun cabinet to avoid having to walk through the house to put it away.

He said: “I can now access the cabinet without making too much mess.”

Jordan, who said he was “disappointed” the police had yet to find the person responsible for the theft, was fined £3,000 for failing to comply with the conditions of his shotgun licence.

He was also ordered to pay £60 towards prosecution costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Magistrates said they gave Jordan credit for his previous good character and early guilty plea and were satisfied with the measures he has taken to improve his gun storage.

Your Worcester News was the only member of the media at this hearing.