In passing sentence on Jason Mark McDonald, magistrate Michael Crompton said a message of general deterrence had to be sent to the community about firearm offences.

McDonald, 46, of Lake Albert, pleaded guilty to possessing an unregistered firearm, not keeping a firearm safely and possessing an unauthorised pistol.

McDonald told police a relative gave him the six-shot powder-type pistol about 12 months before his arrest.

He was given three concurrent suspended jail sentences - two of six months and one of three months.

Mr Crompton took into account McDonald’s clean criminal record, his guilty plea, his co-operation with police and his low risk of re-offending.