A “FAMILY man” from Newport has been jailed for five years after he made an explosive out of a firework and extra gunpowder.

46-year-old Dean Aubrey, of Brynglas Avenue, was arrested by police in July this year after his wife went to police with a revolver and ammunition she had found hidden in a box in the house.

Aubrey, who used to collect knives before moving on to guns, was charged with making an explosive substance, possessing a revolver and four counts of possessing ammunition.

Today he appeared at Newport Crown Court and pleaded guilty to all six offences.

Gareth James, prosecuting, told the court Aubrey’s wife turned up at Newport Police Station with the hand gun and some of the ammunition.

Officers searched the house and found four different types of ammunition including shotgun cartridges and hollow point bullets which expand upon impact.

The court heard how Aubrey said he bought the revolver and some of the ammunition for £300 in 2005 after he was approached by a man in an Abergavenny pub.

In interview, Aubrey admitted possessing the items and also told police about an explosive device at his house.

Officers searched and found a firework with 25mg of explosive powder which had been extended with an extra 60 mg of explosive powder, as well as shrapnel attached to the outside.

It was sent to the army who examined it and said it was “unlikely” to function but if a different fuse had been used “it could have been used to cause injury or damage”.

Huw Wallace, defending said it was a “hobby” for Aubrey. He said: “This is a family man who loves guns."

Mr Wallace said the only time Aubrey had tried to detonate the explosive device was when he was alone and in a field.

Judge Philip Richards sentenced Aubrey to three years for making the explosive substance, five years for possessing the revolver, 18 months for two counts of possessing ammunition and five years for two other counts of possessing ammunition. All sentences are to run alongside each other.

Judge Richards said: “I have no choice but to impose these terms, many people would say this is justified in an age when one knows that for some firearms can cause so much public anxiety.

“This is a case where you were initially frank with the police.”