Robert Sevil: Narromine man charged with firearm offences

A man allegedly caught with a weapons stash at a caravan park purchased some of the items on eBay and didn’t know having them was an offence, a court has heard.

A Narromine man who was allegedly caught with a huge weapons stash and charged with importing prohibited weapons has been granted bail in court.

Robert Charles Sevil, 53, came to the attention of police after officers worked with Australian Border Force officials to seize parcels which contained a firearm silencer and .22 calibre pistol magazines.

A prohibited item allegedly found in Narromine man Robert Savil's possession. Picture: NSW Police

Police allege the parcels were imported into Australia and bound for an address in Narromine in the state’s central west.

On April 14 officers searched a caravan park Mr Sevil was residing at on the Mitchell Highway in Narromine.

Aircraft pistols, military style weapons, ammunition, expandable steel batons, flick knives and cannabis were allegedly found during the search.

Drugs allegedly found in the possession of Narromine man Robert Sevil. Picture: NSW Police

Mr Sevil was charged with 11 offences which included import prohibited imports, possess more than three unregistered firearms, acquire prohibited firearm, possess ammunition without a license and possess prohibited drug.

He appeared in Dubbo Local Court on the day of his arrest and entered no pleas to any of the charges.

Another weapon allegedly found in Robert Sevil's possession at Narromine. Picture: NSW Police

During a bail hearing defence lawyer Maer O’Donoghue said there was no evidence Mr Sevil had used any weapons and he even showed police his purchasing history.

“Mr Sevil instructs me he has mental health issues and he is treated for depression,” she said.

“Given Mr Sevil’s lack of criminal history, full time custody is not inevitable despite the serious nature of these charges.”

More items allegedly found in the possession of Narromine man Robert Sevil. Picture: NSW Police

Ms O’Donoghue said Mr Sevil was unaware it was an offence to hold some of the items he was charged with possessing.

She told the court he used eBay to buy “a number” of the items allegedly seized by police.

“These items are very easily accessible,” Ms O’Donoghue said.

“Up until 2018 the possession of gel blasters was not within the definition of the Firearms Act so perhaps that is a reason for some confusion.”

Magistrate Gary Wilson granted bail and set a date in June for the case to return to court.