AN Orford dad-of-three has been jailed after keeping a sawn-off shotgun in his house as part of a drugs debt of almost £1,000, a court heard.

David Holding, aged 25, of Poplars Avenue, appeared for sentencing at Warrington Crown Court on Tuesday, following a police raid on Pheasant Close, Birchwood, on July 23 last year.

Appearing calm in the dock, Holding, who pleaded guilty to possession of an altered firearm at a hearing on November 10, had his mother and partner in court for support.

The court heard how Holding's three children and partner were in the house at the time of the raid, where a double-barrelled sawn-off shotgun was seized, as well as three cartridges.

Forensic scientists confirmed that the barrel had been shortened to 13.3cm and was 'in working order', though it had not been fired since it was shortened.

Prosecuting Wyn Lloyd-Jones said: "He held the firearm for someone as a drug debt - it was not intended to be used.

"He had no money to pay the drugs debt and they turned up and said: 'you are looking after this bag.'

"They put the bag in a cupboard and he said that he didn't look into the bag."

Defence Estelle Parkhouse acknowledged the severity of the offence but also addressed Holding's recent drug reform.

"There was no cartridge inside and the safety switch was on, and the officers had to reach over to get the bag," she said.

"First he was taking cannabis and then cocaine but he has stopped using drugs."

Judge Raj Shetty said there were mitigating factors taken into account but insisted the seriousness of the firearm cannot be forgotten.

"Those who use it are likely to do so to scare, intimidate and even kill," he added.

Holding was sentenced to three years and four months in prison.