A man who was driving around with a fake gun hidden in his car was caught by the police in Carlisle.

James Wall, 21, had been visiting family in March when he was pulled over by officers after thought his driving was erratic.

When they asked to search his car Wall, and a passenger, refused to let officers have a look and it took them about one hour to finally get access.

When they searched the vehicle they discovered in a compartment underneath the spare wheel which contained the realistic-looking gun and a baseball bat.

Carlisle Crown Court heard that the firearm was in fact an imitation that had been bought in Newcastle and Wall claimed it was to be used as a starter pistol and that he only planned to fire it in fields.

When Wall, of Aubone Avenue, Newcastle, had taken possession of the gun it had an orange-coloured firing mechanism so it can be easily spotted as an imitation.

But prosecutor Brendan Burke said: "The defendant admitted painting the mechanism from orange to black so it had the realistic appearance of a glock, a firearm carried by the police."

He added: "He was saying [to the police] they couldn't search without a warrant. He obviously didn't want them to search it."

In a police interview Wall said he did not intend to use the gun for any type of criminal offence, a statement which was accepted by the prosecution.

Barrister Greg Hoare, for Wall, said: "It looks sinister but there may be another explanation."

Mr Hoare continued: "He knows particularly in the current climate that having a gun of any description, real or imitation, is a serious matter."

The judge, Recorder Philip Curran, said: "If it had been produced to someone then they would've thought they were looking at a real firearm."

Wall was given a one-year prison sentence but it was suspended for 18 months.