A MIDDLE-aged Somerset man has appeared in court today (Monday, September 6) charged with multiple weapons offences.

Kevin Monaghan, of Wedmore, has been charged with two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon and four counts of possessing an offensive weapon in a private place.

North Somerset Magistrates' Court heard that the first two charges related to a self-contained gas cartridge air weapon, while the four other charges were in connection with three zombie knives and a knuckleduster.

It followed his arrest from a shop in Weston-super-Mare on Friday (September 3), from where a number of weapons were also seized.

It is the first time Avon and Somerset Police have charged someone with possessing an offensive weapon in a private place since The Offensive Weapons Act 2019 came into effect in July this year.

The Act made it illegal to possess certain weapons including zombie knifes – large serrated blades that carry images or words glamorising violence – and knuckledusters, even in private.

Monaghan was remanded in custody pending an appearance at Bristol Crown Court on Friday, September 24.

A 33-year-old man from Bradley Stoke who was also arrested in connection with the police inquiry on suspicion of allowing a premises to be used for the sale of Class A drugs has been released under investigation to allow further enquiries to take place.