An Englishman who came to Malta to collect a 150-year-old revolver he inherited from his late uncle had the gun confiscated by the courts after he was caught with it at the airport.

Alan Keith Morrison told the court he did not realise he was breaking the law when he checked in his luggage, containing the gun, at Malta International Airport on Saturday afternoon. He thought he was merely carrying an antique gun, not a usable weapon.

Sources said the gun – a 450-calibre, cowboy-style revolver – was in a bad condition and was so rusty the make and serial number were not legible.

As Mr Morrison’s uncle, who lived in Malta, passed away recently, the revolver had sentimental value to him.

Mr Morrison, from Cambridge, was sentenced to seven months in jail suspended for 18 months after he admitted to the illegal possession of the gun and trying to export it.

Magistrate Josette Demicoli handed down the lowest punishment allowed by law in light of the circumstances. The revolver, which was confiscated, was exhibited in court wrapped in a large brown envelope.

Police Inspector Darren Buhagiar prosecuted. Lawyer Daniel Buttigieg represented the accused.