A MAN is set to stay behind bars for another six weeks after police uncovered a pistol and drugs during a raid on a New England home.
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Phillip Brian Sisson has admitted to all but one drug supply charge after police knocked on his door on Wednesday.
The 52-year-old was served with a firearms prohibition order (FPO) at a Waterfall Way house in Ebor.
The New England Target Action Group then searched the property, uncovering a pistol, firearms equipment, ammunition and an amount of what they allege is cannabis.
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Sisson was arrested and taken to Armidale police station, where he was charged with a raft of gun and drug offences.
He spent the night in custody and appeared via video link in Inverell Local Court, where he admitted to six of the seven charges.
Through his solicitor, Sisson pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing prohibited drugs; possessing an unauthorised pistol; possessing an unregistered pistol; not keeping a firearm safely; and possessing ammunition without a licence.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge of supplying more than an indictable quantity of cannabis.
After the plea, magistrate Peter Bugden ordered police to compile a brief of evidence into the charge.
The case was adjourned to mid-March. Magistrate Bugden refused Sisson bail, ordering him to remain in custody until the case returns to court.
New England Acting Superintendent Roger Best told the Leader the pistol that was seized was similar to a revolver.
"The firearm that was seized will be forensically examined and undergo ballistics examination to determine its origins," he said on Friday.
"This firearm was seized as a result of police serving a firearms prohibition order, and has led to another unregistered firearm being taken off the streets.
An FPO, which is granted by the police commissioner, gives police the power to search the target, his car and house randomly without a search warrant.
Investigations continue, police said.
Breanna Chillingworth
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
Northern Daily Leader Senior Crime and Court Reporter
