A magistrate has expressed concern about a man's explanation to police he was taking methamphetamine to deal with his mental health issues.
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Nathan Bell, 44, pleaded guilty at the Ballarat Magistrates' Court on Monday to possessing firearms, drugs and parts from a stolen car.
Police prosecutor Senior Constable Steve Repac said police executed a search warrant at Bell's Smythesdale home on November 18, 2019.
The court heard a detective identified parts of a car being rebuilt in the workshop as belonging a stolen vehicle.
Senior Constable Repac said police found 0.35 grams of methamphetamine and a small quantity of cannabis in the living area.
The court heard police found a shotgun under Bell's bed and an air rifle in a safe next to the bed and Bell did not hold a firearms licence.
Bell made full admissions to police and said he was using methamphetamine to help with his mental health issues.
He said he was 'stupid' to store the shotgun under the bed and wasn't aware the parts on the car were stolen.
The court heard Bell has one prior conviction relating to cannabis 25-years-ago.
Defence lawyer Jon Irwin said Bell had been struggling to get away from his drug issue.
Magistrate Jonathan Klestadt said he was concerned about Bell's reasons given to the police for taking ice.
Mr Irwin agreed and said his reasoning was against 'everything we know in the community' about the impact of drugs on mental health.
The court heard Bell was currently unemployed and had the guns because he used to shoot, but had recently been trying to sell them.
Mr Irwin said Bell made a mistake in not storing the guns correctly and possessing them without a licence.
In regards to the stolen car parts, Mr Irwin said Bell was repairing the ute for an associate and did not know the parts were stolen.
He submitted the matter could be dealt with by way of a fine but Mr Klestadt said he would like to see Bell's drug use and mental health addressed.
Mr Klestadt requested Bell be assessed for a community corrections order to provide treatment for drug use and mental health issues.
Bell will return to court on Thursday for sentencing.
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