OFFICERS who raided a man's home after they saw him driving while disqualified found a stash of high velocity bullets.

Police went to Gary Howe's address after he had been seen driving a Nissan Micra, in Pallion, Sunderland, on March 1.

Newcastle Crown Court heard that, as well as a small quantity of amphetamine, the officers found 50 .22 long rifle bullets. Further examination of the ammunition revealed 33 were of high velocity and 17 were round-hole bullets.

Howe, 34, told police he was given them by two unknown men at a bus stop and was going to pass them to someone else. Later, he said he had taken them off some children.

Howe, of Fordfield Road, Sunderland, admitted possessing ammunition, possessing it while prohibited, driving while disqualified, driving with no insurance and possessing amphetamine.

Defence barrister Michael O'Neil said that the ammunition was not the preferred choice of the criminal classes.

Judge David Hodson jailed Howe, who has a string of previous convictions, for 12 months. He was also banned from driving for 12 months.