A 23-year-old north Belfast man who claimed his dog found the gun discovered under his bed was freed today after agreeing to complete 200 hours community services.
Belfast Crown Court Judge Kennedy told James Haddock his story was "not very convincing", but she was prepared to accept he had made a mistake which he now regretted and that he was considered a low risk to the public.
Prosecuting QC Mr Ken McMahon told the court that during a search of Haddock's Tyndale Green home in the Ballysillan area, police found the 8mm pistol wrapped in a black sock in a drawer under his divan bed.
He said that the replica Italian-made pistol, modified with so that it could fire live rounds, was "technically a lethal weapon - a sinister weapon, but not as sinister as a properly manufactured weapon".
Defence QC Mr Terence McDonald said Haddock "himself is not a sinister person" but was someone who "behaved with immaturity and is not seen as someone who is a threat to the community".
Haddock, who had a completely clear record, pleaded guilty to possessing the modified pistol under suspicious circumstances between November 9th and 26th last year.