Gun ban man claims his mum owned air rifle found at his Eastwood home

Nicholas Roddis (34) went on trial at Sheffield Crown Court yesterday accused of keeping a Power-Lok Spector SR05 — a type of air rifle — in his flat on Gray Close, Eastwood.

A police officer visited Roddis’ flat on May 31 last year and found the air rifle during a search, said prosecutor Mr Matthew Bean.

“It was in his bedroom, resting against a wall, by a cupboard, in its carrying case,” said Mr Bean.

“It wasn’t loaded at the time.”

Mr Bean told jurors there could be no doubt Roddis, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, knew that the air rifle was in his flat.

“It was not only in his flat, but in his own bedroom,” said Mr Bean.

Roddis also had a machete knife and two fake guns, including a replica AK47, which fired BB pellets — items which he could legally own.

“But the prosecution say the fact they were found in his flat, and by his own admission were in his possession, supports the Crown’s case.”

PC Luke Bugdol, who is based at Rotherham’s Main Street Police Station, seized the weapon and quizzed Roddis about the find.

During his police interview, Roddis said the air rifle belonged to his mother and she had been moving in with him at the time of the search.

“The air rifle has never been brought out of that bag,” said Roddis. “It was only there for 24 hours, for God’s sake.”

Giving evidence in court yesterday, Roddis broke down in tears as he recalled a phone call from his mother the day before the weapon was found.

He told the jury that his mum “had a massive breakdown” and she had asked to move in with him.

Roddis said his mother brought her possessions to his house in bin liners.

“I have grown up with weapons all my life,” he said.

“There’s lots of weapons in my mum’s place.

“I have an interest in military matters.”

Asked whether he knew the air rifle was in his flat, he said: “No.”

Roddis denies possession of a firearm while being a person who is prohibited from having a firearm.

The trial continues.