Former bank manager Karl Crookall was branded "a victim of his own stupidity" by a judge at Preston Crown Court yesterday.

The 40-year-old, of Fieldfare Close, attempted to bring the F92-self loading replica pistol back into Blackpool on a flight from Girona after buying it from a shop in Spain.

But security officers at Blackpool airport uncovered the gun and 49 rounds of blank cartridges in his suitcase.

Crookall, who was with his wife and young son, was arrested immediately.

In an interview with police, Crookall, who legally held a firearms licence, claimed he did not realise he could not bring the weapon into Britain and did not think he had done anything wrong.

In sentencing him to 28 days in prison, suspended for 12 months, Judge Stuart Baker said: "This is a potentially very serious case and had the circumstances been any different you may well be facing an immediate custodial sentence.

"I'm prepared to sentence you on the basis that, as your defence said, you seem to have been a victim of your own stupidity."

Realistic

Duncan Birrell, prosecuting, told the court that Crookall had flown from Girona to Blackpool on September 21 last year, arriving back in Blackpool at around 1.15am.

His luggage was X-rayed and found to contain the gun and 49 rounds of ammunition.

It was said to have "a very realistic appearance" and was described by firearms officers as "a very heavy duty weapon".

Crookall told police he had an obsession with firearms, knives and cars.

In mitigation, defence barrister Peter Horgan told the court Crookall was registered disabled, having suffered a very serious motorbike accident which left him with neurological problems.

This prevented him from working and had led to his fascination with firearms.

He also said his client had voluntarily surrendered his firearms licence and had made no attempt to conceal what was in his luggage from police.

Mr Horgan said his client told police: "I've been naive and stupid, but I'm not a bad lad."

He was also ordered to pay £160 costs.

Det Con Graham Wharrier, of Lancashire Police, said: "This is not a terrorist-related incident nor is it gangland linked, but is still a very serious offence.

"Carriers of any form of recognised firearm, drugs or other illegal goods coming through Blackpool airport should be aware that it is nationally recognised as being policed to the highest standard and you will be identified, arrested and prosecuted."