An ex-Royal Green Jackets soldier who had also worked in the private security sector in Iraq and Afghanistan has received a six months suspended jail term after he admitted having a shotgun without a firearms certificate.

Mervyn Carpenter, aged 55, of Glanrafon, Corwen, must do 120 hours unpaid work and pay £250 costs.

Judge Peter Heywood at Caernarfon crown court ordered the forfeiture of the shotgun and five cartridges. “I have no doubt you will never darken the door of a court again,” he told the defendant.

The judge said Carpenter had no intention of using the weapon for any “nefarious” purpose and the offence was an “oversight” by him.

Judge Heywood said Carpenter had an “impeccable” record and had worked in a “tortuous” environment.

He said in September police had been called to a domestic incident at his home and the shotgun and cartridges were in a cupboard. Carpenter’s shotgun licence had expired 16 years ago. Judge Heywood added :”This offence is very much out of character.”