Belfast builder accused of storing two guns and ammunition thought they were antiques

Belfast builder accused of storing two guns and ammunition thought they were antiques The 36-year-old claims he took the 'viable' revolvers and 65 rounds because he is a gun enthusiast Alan Erwin 17:18, 22 May 2026 A North Belfast builder accused of storing two guns and ammunition thought they were antiques he found during a house clearance, a court heard today. Graham Watt was arrested after the “viable” revolvers were seized as part of searches at his Mount Vernon Park home on Thursday. The 36-year-old claims he took them there because he is a gun enthusiast, a judge was told. Watt was remanded in custody on two charges of possessing a firearm along with 65 rounds of ammunition in suspicious circumstances. Belfast Magistrates’ Court heard police believe one possible explanation is the guns could have been for protection in connection with suspected drug-related activities. “There is strong public feeling in the Mount Vernon area about drug dealing,” an investigating detective said. “He may also have been storing the firearms for other people.” Opposing Watt’s application for bail, the detective suggested there might be a further risk of repercussions. “Two firearms have been seized, there are concerns for the safety of Mr Watt in the community if they were in any way linked to a proscribed organisation,” he added. Watt is not charged with any drugs offences, and police confirmed no suspected dealing lists were found at his home. Defence counsel Luke Curran indicated his client has made “limited admissions” about how the guns were obtained. The court heard Watt was clearing out a house for an estate agency and given permission to take anything he wanted from it. During the clearance he allegedly found a bag containing two old and rusted firearms with seized-up mechanisms. Mr Curran described the defendant as a gun enthusiast and member of the Northern Ireland Target Sports Association. Watt brought the firearms home and managed to unseize the mechanism in one of them, “He still was under the impression they were antique-type items,” counsel submitted. “He planned to make enquiries about what was best to do with them…but his actions have him in difficulties.” Responding to his portrayal of their condition, the detective disclosed: “Our armed response unit has assessed them as being viable pistols.” Watt was refused bail and remanded in custody until June 19. Article continues below Expressing serious concerns about his version of events, District Judge Austin Kennedy said: “I take what he is saying with a strong pinch of salt.” For all the latest news, visit the homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter