Merbein man Jack Gardner busted hoarding guns, ammo, and drugs after police raid

A Merbein boilermaker — described as having “a real thing for guns” — has been busted with unregistered firearms along with meth and ammunition after a police raid on his property.

Merbien’s Jack Gardner was busted with weapons, cash, drugs and ammunition after police executed a search warrant at his home. Picture: Generic

A Merbein boilermaker described as having a “real thing for firearms” has been caught with guns, ammo and drugs after a police raid on his property.

Jack Gardner, 30, fronted Mildura Magistrates Court where he pleaded guilty to multiple charges stemming from a police search of his property that uncovered guns, ammunition, drugs and money.

The court heard in February this year police conducted a search on the property he shares with his partner and children and found a treasure trove of illegal items.

Police found meth, money believed to be the proceeds of crime, two unregistered guns and a large amount of ammunition, along with multiple mobile phones and a CCTV hard drive.

Gardner was on bail at the time of the search and remains a person who is prohibited from owning a firearm.

Magistrate Patrick Southey said Mr Gardner, “has a real thing for firearms.”

With Gardner serving a 14-month sentence on an unrelated matter, the sentencing practice was a tricky one for Mr Southey.

Magistrate Patrick Southey says Gardner had a “real thing for guns” and needs a new hobby.

Police prosecutor Kristen Simm insisted Gardner needed to get additional time, while Gardner’s lawyer Joseph Bourke asked for leniency given his client had a CCO lined up for when his prison sentence was served.

“Mr Gardner’s belief was the firearms were inoperable … as soon as it was confirmed they weren’t a guilty plea was entered,” Mr Bourke said

“If you possess firearms as a prohibited person, you should expect to go to jail,” Ms Simm submitted.

Gardner told the court that once his sentence was completed, he and his family planned to relocate to Melbourne.

“You need to get a new hobby if you’re interested in these things. You’ve got to forget about firearms of any type,” Mr Southey told Gardner as he handed down his sentence.

“Had you not pleaded guilty, it would have been six months imprisonment.”

Ultimately, Mr Southey gave Gardner an extra month on top of the time he is already serving.

“I’ve got to send you a message to stay away from firearms,” Mr Southey said.

Gardner will likely be released in July next year. Once released, he will have to serve an 18-month CCO.