East Lothian firearms accused walks free from court after report wrangle

An East Lothian man who was charged with failing to securely store a firearm and ammunition in his home has walked free from court.

Rana Khan, from Athelstaneford, was facing the serious allegation when he appeared for trial at Edinburgh Sheriff Court.

Mr Khan was also accused of failing to inform police he had lost his firearm certificate which had been granted to him in March 2017.

The 63-year-old accused denied the three charges and appeared for trial in front of Sheriff Adrian Cottam but was released without conviction because of a paperwork wrangle.

When the case called the Crown asked for an adjournment due to the firearms report not being disclosed to the defence.

Procurator Fiscal Depute Alan Morrison said the Crown “had to hold its hand up as it has failed to meet its obligations” by not providing the report to the defence lawyer Mary Moultrie.