Dealer cleared of banned gun sale

Mr Shepherd is nicknamed Elvis because of the way he dresses

A dealer in antique guns has been cleared of supplying illegal weapons to undercover police officers.

Michael Shepherd, 56, was found not guilty at the Old Bailey of 13 charges involving vintage guns advertised on the internet.

The Elvis fanatic and former carpenter was a registered gun dealer and sold his goods online.

He was arrested when police raided his home in Dartford, Kent, in September 2006, where they found about 900 guns.

Gun expert

Mr Shepherd, registered with neighbouring Kent police to deal in guns, denied he had broken firearms laws.

He was charged after selling guns to two undercover officers and providing bullet components.

Nicknamed Elvis because of the way he dresses, he said he thought the officers were collectors and did not sell them any ammunition.

He denied selling components for bullets was against the law because all the parts were freely available.

"Collectors make blank rounds," he said. "It never crossed my mind that there was any criminal intent."

Ian Glen, QC, defending, said Mr Shepherd was a respected authority on guns.

Mr Shepherd's firearm's registration has been suspended by Kent police.