A man has been jailed for illegally possessing three guns, including one stored in a fridge, after being arrested by detectives investigating Victoria’s tobacco wars.
Frederico Bruno, 48, appeared via video link at Heidelberg Magistrates Court on Tuesday February 27, after he was arrested by Victoria Police Taskforce Lunar detectives in January.
Taskforce Lunar was set up to investigate suspicious fires at tobacco stores across the state.
Bruno was found with three guns and ammunition, including a loaded handgun stored in the fridge at his mechanic shop in Thomastown, a court was told on January 31.
He was initially charged with eight offences, but pleaded guilty to three offences in court on Tuesday.
The admitted charges included his illegal possession of two or more firearms and ammunition without a licence.
The remaining five charges – including possession of an unregistered handgun, two long-arm guns and receiving stolen goods – were withdrawn.
Magistrate Helen Murphy handed Bruno a three-month prison sentence and he must perform 150 hours of unpaid community work upon release.
She warned him to “stay out of trouble” while on the 18-month community corrections order.
Bruno has already served 28 days of his sentence.
AAP
