TWO Belfast men who admitted possessing a sub-machine gun in suspicious circumstances will be sentenced later this month.
Matthew Charles Johnston (42) and 41-year old Eamonn Hutchinson appeared together in the dock of Belfast Crown Court where a senior judge acquitted them on a separate charge of possessing the weapon with intent.
Both men were arrested following a surveillance operation conducted in the Westlink/Clifton Street/Antrim Road area of the city on November 28 2017.
On that evening, undercover officers observed and recorded the movements of Johnston and Hutchinson.
Police seized a Lidl bag and a submachine gun.
Hutchinson and Johnston were arrested and several items were seized from Johnston's home including a collapsible stock compatible with the submachine gun as well as assorted ammunition.
Despite refusing to answer police questions during interview, both men subsequently pleaded guilty to a charge of possessing the 'Ingram 11' sub-machine gun and one cartridge in suspicious circumstances.
Noting both men had admitted possessing the weapon in suspicious circumstances, Mr Justice Fowler said he had considered "the sole issue of intention."
Citing the Crown's case that the weapon was being test fired, the judge said there was "no evidence of a pre-planned attack on an individual or other such target".
Mr Justice Fowler also spoke of a lack of evidence regarding the history of the gun in other incidents "whether they be of a terrorist nature or otherwise".
Saying he couldn't be sure "beyond reasonable doubt" of their intent, Mr Justice Fowler found both men not guilty on the charge of possessing the weapon with intent.
Hutchinson and Johnston were released on continued bail ahead of sentencing for the offence they admitted, which is due to take place later this month.
