A former soldier was caught with live ammunition when police searched his home.
19-year-old Marshall Stokes pleaded guilty to possession of four bullets when he appeared at Swindon Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (21 December).
Prosecutor Kate Prince said that Wiltshire Police was acting on intelligence when officers went to search the defendant’s home in Buckhurst Crescent, Walcot.
On combing his room on 20 August this year, four bullets were located. Despite Stokes not having a firearms certificate, forensic testing confirmed the rounds were live.
A small amount of cocaine was found on his person in custody, for which he received a caution. Ms Prince said the offence was low-level, adding that there was no evidence of any intention to use them.
Emma Hillier, defending, said her client was in the army and took the bullets as a souvenir.
“Other squaddies do take them as well, it was a memento from his time in the army”, she said. Adding: “They were displayed in his room and he had no intention to use them.”
She said Stokes worked in security and started using cocaine – a drug used by staff working in the industry. His habit “started getting out of hand” and he left the role.
Ms Hillier said he has not had any cocaine for six weeks now and is due to be a father soon. He is seeking work, possibly in a warehouse.
Magistrates fined him £40 and told him to pay costs of £85 and a £16 surcharge. The bullets will be forfeited and destroyed.
