A Surbiton pub landlord is facing the prospect of jail, after admitting stowing a 12-bore shotgun in a bedroom above the Angel Inn.

Ian Morton, 43, pleaded guilty at Kingston Magistrates’ Court on June 1, to possessing a shotgun without a licence.

Police had searched the pub in Howard Road, Surbiton, on a drugs warrant on January 4 and found the antique 12-bore Hammer shotgun which was marked Armstrong and Co of Newcastle upon Tyne.

No drugs charges were ever brought.

Sergeant Jim Northway, of Kingston police, said: “The age of the shotgun is irrelevant.

"It was still a viable weapon and would have the same effect as if someone pointed a brand new shotgun at you and pulled the trigger.

“We have got nothing to indicate he had any intention of using it but having an unlicensed weapon, particularly in light of recent events in Cumbria, causes concerns all around.”

The maximum sentence for possessing a shotgun without certificate is six months’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of £5,000.

Anybody who has been sentenced to imprisonment, detention or corrective training for three years or more is banned for life from having a shotgun, while anybody who has served between three months and three years is banned for five years.

Sgt Northway urged anybody who finds a shotgun, which he said could happen when an elderly relative died, should contact police.

Morton gave his address in court as the Brave New World pub, Berrylands Road, although the landlord said he was living with friends above the pub.

He will be sentenced at Kingston Magistrates’ Court on June 21.