A 26-year-old man has been remanded in custody after admitting to possessing an illegal firearm discovered at his home.

Ajahnae Nicholas pleaded guilty when he appeared before Chief Magistrate Ngaio Emanuel after police executed a search warrant at his Green Bay Hill residence on 10 April. Officers reported that Nicholas directed them to his bedroom, where a silver Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun was found hidden beneath his bed inside a plastic bag. The weapon’s serial number had been removed.

Nicholas told police he had found the gun in nearby bushes.

He was remanded into custody and is expected to be sentenced on 12 May.

A co-accused, 20-year-old Kayshia Riley of Sweets Village, had the charge against her dismissed. Defence attorney Sherfield Bowen represented the pair.

Prosecutors described the weapon as a serious public safety threat, noting its ability to fire high-powered shells and the removal of its identifying markings.

The court is considering sentencing guidelines ahead of next month’s ruling.