A magistrate has sent a strong message illegal guns will not be tolerated, giving a man who was keeping two guns at his girlfiends's home a hefty fine.
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Lucas Pollard, 36, pleaded guilty to possessing two firearms without a licence at the Ballarat Magistrates Court on Monday.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Ben Jones told the court police were called to Pollard's former partner's home on October 16 after she found an air rifle and a .22 caliber long arm in the bedroom while packing his possessions.
Pollard attended the Ballarat Police Station on October 17, was arrested and released on bail.
Defence lawyer David Tamanika said Pollard made full admissions to police and said the guns had been in his family for a long period of time.
He told the court no ammunition was located at the property, both guns were in poor condition and the 0.22 caliber gun was inoperable.
Mr Tamanika said he accepted there was a requirement for general deterrence, but asked a financial disposition be imposed.
Magistrate Letizia Torres said references showed Pollard was of good character but the offences were 'very serious'.
"People who have guns who shouldn't have usually gone to jail," she said.
"I have decided not to jail you today, but it is important to send a message to the community this is not to be tolerated.
"It is dangerous to have guns in the community."
Pollard was fined $2000 and the guns were ordered to be forfeited.