A 47-YEAR-OLD Wiltshire man is facing a mandatory five year jail term after he pleaded guilty to being in possession of a prohibited firearm and ammunition in a Cotswolds village.

Duncan Giles, of Summer House Farm, Minety, admitted at Gloucester Crown Court that he had an Astra Falcon Model 4000 pistol in Ebrington, nr Chipping Campden, Glos, on January 28 this year.

As a prohibited firearm, Giles faces the statutory minimum five years imprisonment unless he can show there are "exceptional circumstances" about his case.

Giles also pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a firearm without a certificate, a Breda Semi-Automatic shotgun, and three counts of possessing ammunition without a certificate, all also on January 28 this year.

The case against him was adjourned for sentence until October 18 and Giles was granted bail.

Prosecutor, Janine Wood, said to Judge Michael Harington "I expect my friend [Giles' Lawyer] will wish to advance exceptional circumstances to say that the five year minimum sentence should not be imposed in this case."

Mr Richard Atkins, representing Giles, said that was right and requested an adjournment.

The judge granted that application and said "It's unfortunate that the matter can't be dealt with today."

He told Giles "I'll adjourn until 18th October. I'm sure that you understand the seriousness of these matters and that custody is the most likely outcome."