A GRANDFATHER and his 21-year-old granddaughter have been spared prison after admitting keeping a shotgun without a certificate.

James Richard Fawcett, 77, and Roxanne Yvonne Louisa Fawcett, 21, of Saves Lane, Askam, were both handed suspended prison sentences at Preston Crown Court on January 12.

The pair admitted possessing a Mossberg New Haven 12 gauge single-barrel shotgun on December 12 at South Cumbria Magistrates' Court in Barrow.

The court was told James Fawcett had bought the shotgun from an Ulverston car park 45 years ago and initially had a licence for it.

Police found the shotgun after searching their home on June 15.

After becoming away of the imminent police search, Roxanne Fawcett was attempted to hide the shotgun under her bed.

She was handed a 10 month prison sentence, suspended for one year, ordered to carry out a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and 60 hours of unpaid work.

James Fawcett was given an eight month prison sentence, suspended for one year.

The forfeiture and destruction of the guns and ammunition was also ordered.