Weapons accused told police: Everyone has right to defend themselves
A man allegedly stopped in Belfast with a loaded gun, baton and bladed knuckle duster told police everyone has the right to defend themselves in the 21st century, a court heard.
Police claimed Polish national Grzegorz Szawica had the collection when his car was pulled over on the Malone Road on Thursday.
The 38-year-old, of Florida Street in the city, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition in suspicious circumstances, along with two counts of possessing an offensive weapon in public.
He is also accused of driving when unfit through drink or drugs, failing to provide a specimen, possessing a quantity of Clas C pregabalin and handling stolen goods.
Opposing bail at Belfast Magistrates’ Court, a detective contended that Szawica could be a risk to the public.
District Judge Fiona Bagnall denied bail and remanded him in custody.