A SURVIVAL enthusiast who collects hunting and shooting artefacts has been convicted of illegally possessing ammunition.

Glen Baxter kept a stash of illegal bullets in a safe at his home in Loxham Street, Moses Gate, which was raided by police on June 26 last year, Bolton Crown Court heard.

Andrew Macintosh, prosecuting, told the court how Baxter, aged 47, had a collection of hunting knives and books about guns, gangsters and hunting at his house, as well as an air rifle with a telescopic sight.

A floor safe was found in an upstairs bedroom which contained a bag full of ammunition.

Some of the cartridges had been deactivated and were legally owned, but firearms experts found the haul also included some illegal ammunition, including six expanding ammunition cartridges for weapons such as a Winchester rifle, Remington rifle and Magnum revolver There were a further seven cartridges, which Baxter did not have a licence to possess.

These were suitable for weapons including a Smith and Wesson revolver and a Luger pistol.

The court heard how Baxter had previously been refused a shotgun licence and in 1986 had been convicted of carrying a loaded gun, which he was using to shoot ducks in a park in Grimsby.

Andrew Costello, defending, said although Baxter’s hobby may appear strange he had not attempted to hide his interest in militaria, which is displayed around his house. “He is a man who has had a great deal of interest in survival techniques, including an interest in firearms,” he added.

“His collection has been built up over a 25-year period.

“He has been incredibly foolhardy in retaining such items (bullets) which couldn’t be deactivated.”

Recorder Howard Bentham QC told unemployed Baxter: “You live in something of a fantasy world. There is nothing wrong with that except when it leads to breaking the law.”

Baxter, who had pleaded guilty to possessing ammunition without a certificate and possessing expanding ammunition, was sentenced to do 100 hours unpaid work and will forfeit the illegal cartridges.