A MAN owing money for drugs agreed to store a sawn-off shotgun at his home in return for a reduction of his £200 debt, a court heard.

Dale Martin agreed to the proposal after he was attacked, had his windows smashed and his girlfriend threatened.

He was sentenced to two years by Preston Crown Court after police found the weapon during a search of his house. Martin, 35, of Ellenshaw Close, Darwen, had pleaded guilty to having a firearm without a certificate.

Judith McCullough, prosecuting, said an officer was searching a cupboard in March last year when the heavy object fell to the floor. The sawn-off shotgun, later examined by a firearms expert, was a 12 bore single barrelled gun.

Martin told police he had been asked to look after it, but refused to name the other person. He said the only reason he agreed to store it was because he was afraid.

Richard Bennett, defending, said his client had used drugs in the past, particularly heroin. He had been offered drugs for payment and on credit. At the end of January last year, suppliers pressed Martin for payment. The following month he was beaten up by four people at a Darwen pub and later, his windows were also smashed.

In March he was assaulted by a drug dealer over a £200 debt, his face slashed with a knife. His girlfriend had been taken to a secluded area and threatened.

Mr Bennett said Martin had been approached by two people he knew were associated with the dealer to whom he owed money. The request was for him to look after the gun and this was made two days before the police came.

"He was informed that if he accepted, some amount would be reduced from the debt he owed. The defendant was not happy about the state of affairs. He fully realised the implications, but he felt because of the threat and the actual violence, he had little choice but to comply."

Judge Peter Openshaw, QC, made an order for the forfeiture and destruction of the shotgun.