Frankston Magistrates’ Court: Christopher Tatti faces firearms and importation charges
A Frankston man who made guns using parts he ordered off the internet has blamed his country roots for his crime.
South East
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A Frankston man has been busted buying gun parts online from China and using them to make replica weapons.
Christopher Tatti, 38, faced Frankston Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday to answer multiple firearms and importation charges.
Police withdrew some of the charges and Tatti pleaded guilty to those remaining, including one related to importing a gun barrel.
Investigators from Viper Taskforce and the Australian Border Force seized three imitation guns, including two long arms and one handgun, three rounds of .22 calibre bullets and other prohibited weapons including knuckle dusters, a butterfly knife and a double edged bladed knife on December 13, 2022.
A gun barrel imported from China on July 10, 2022 and declared as a wrench, was found along with firearm blueprints. Cannabis was also found at the property.
The imported firearm barrel was identical to those used in the imitation guns found at the Frankston address.
When interviewed by police Tatti said he “didn’t realise” he had the bullets and that he was intoxicated when he bought the most recent gun barrel.
“I was drinking and I thought it would be a good idea to make another one, just like an ornament, so I purchased them off the internet which ultimately landed me here,” Tatti told police
When asked about the imitation weapons he said that he made them five years ago.
“The only one which could possibly work is the slam fire shotgun one,” he said.
Tatti also admitted the cannabis was his.
A defence lawyer for Tatti said the gun barrel and the replica weapons were seen by police at an earlier search of her client’s property on November 8, 2022.
No action was taken.
“They were happy he wasn’t doing anything sinister,” she said.
However, “different police” returned to the property a month later and seized the imitation guns and other items.
The court was told Tatti worked as a stone layer and was “good with his hands”.
His interest in guns as collectibles stemmed from his early years living in the country.
Tatti had no relevant priors.
Magistrate Mark Sabljak accepted that there was “nothing nefarious” about Tatti’s actions.
However, he said the offences were serious and required a conviction.
“Even one handmade weapon that’s workable is one too many,” he said.
“It can fall into the wrong people’s hands if people are aware you have them at home.”
Mr Sabljak convicted Tatti on a charge of importing prohibited goods and fined him $1000.
He placed him on an 18 month community corrections order and ordered him to complete 180 hours unpaid community work.
