POLICE were alerted when a man was spotted by a neighbour walking across a field with a gun.

As a result, Simon McLeod, 43, of Baldedie Avenue, Lochore, appeared at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted previously that on April 28, 2019, at his home, he was in possession of two air rifles without a licence.

Depute fiscal Jill Currie said that at around 6.30pm, a neighbour of McLeod saw him walking in the field behind their home, carrying a gun. He was concerned about this and contacted the police.

Police executed a search warrant at McLeod’s home and found two air rifles on the kitchen table.

Defence solicitor Elaine Buist said the air guns had been up in his loft for years and he had brought them down without realising he now needed a licence for them.

Sheriff Kevin Veal said he should have known as “there has been a great deal of publicity about these matters”.

He added: “Anyone must know that keeping guns without a licence is a non-starter.”

He deferred sentence on McLeod until December 15 for good behaviour.