A MAN who admitted "lazy and careless" firearms licence breaches has won his appeal against the suspended prison term he received.

Thomas Wilkinson-Dover, 24, was sentenced by magistrates last month.

He admitted two counts of failing to comply with a firearms certificate condition having not kept a shotgun and rifle secure. Wilkinson-Dover received an eight-week prison sentence - suspended for 12 months.

But he appealed, contending that the punishment was "disproportionate". His appeal was heard, and allowed, at Carlisle Crown Court today (FRI).

Barrister Brendan Burke said police officers visited Wilkinson-Dover in December.

"They found a Browning shotgun 12-bore in its case under his bed," said Mr Burke.

"A standard condition of the certificate is that they (firearms) are kept both concealed and secure in a cabinet."

Other weapons were secure. But Mr Burke added: "At that point, though, a Browning rifle .308 calibre was discovered not to be present where it was supposed to be.

"In fact it wasn't there because it was at his girlfriend's address simply sitting in a wardrobe unsecured. The particular concern there was that there were living her two young children.

"He made full admissions in interview. He described himself as having been lazy and careless."

Sara Magill, for Wilkinson-Dover, stressed the eight-year-old twins were not present, and added: "At no point has he ever kept a gun in the house when the children were there."

He had been familiar with firearms since first using a shotgun aged 11, and lived in a rural area where shooting was "part and parcel of everyday life".

Miss Magill accepted he had been "negligent", but said: "They were only there for a limited period of time. He had used them on a shoot the night before.

"Neither of them had their corresponding ammunition in the same room or building."

The court heard both firearms had been forfeited and his certificate cancelled. After retiring briefly, Recorder David Swinnerton - sitting with two magistrates - allowed the appeal. Wilkinson-Dover, of Beckside, Cartmel, was instead given a community order comprising 150 hours' unpaid work.