Andrew McNaught pleaded guilty to possessing imitation firearms

An Edithvale man who purchased imitation weapons online has told a court he wanted to use them to “play with his 12-year-old stepson”.

Andrew McNaught, 39, pleaded guilty to purchasing two gel blaster imitation firearms, claiming he wanted to use them like “nerf guns” with his 12-year-old stepson. These guns have the status of imitation firearms, attracting potential prison penalties for anyone caught with them. Picture: David Crosling

An Edithvale man has told a court he “didn’t realise” the imitation firearms he purchased online were illegal, and that he wanted to use them to play with his stepson.

Andrew McNaught, 39, pleaded guilty in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on February 13 to possessing weapons after police found two gel blaster imitation guns in his caravan.

The court heard police had searched McNaught’s Edithvale van on November 2 in 2022, where they found the two illegal weapons and one sling shot.

Officers located McNaught the next day, where he was arrested and then gave a no comment interview.

The court heard DNA evidence showed he had been in possession of the weapons, and that he was legally prohibited from buying any kind of guns.

McNaught appeared via video-link on Tuesday, represented by Sonja Radovic.

McNaught appeared in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court via custody videolink to plead guilty.

Ms Radovic said McNaught had bought the two imitation guns online with the intent to use them to play with his 12-year-old stepson.

“He had no idea they needed a permit,” she said.

“There was no warning on the website, which is located in Queensland, and they were express shipped to him.”

The court heard the reason behind the website not having a warning was because the imitation firearms he purchased were legal to have without a permit in Queensland.

Ms Radovic argued his purchase was down to a “lack of better judgment”.

“He now realises this was a very silly idea, however, they weren’t purchased for any sinister purpose” she said.

“He takes full responsibility for not knowing he wouldn’t be permitted to be in possession of them in Victoria.”

Magistrate Jan McLean took into account McNaught already being in custody for another matter during sentencing.

McNaught was fined $1000 with conviction.

He remains on remand for other matters before the court.