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A KANGAROO Flat man who attempted to illegally import a blank firing revolver from the United States has been convicted and fined in court. Jackson James Dole, 24, pleaded guilty in the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court on Monday to charges brought by the Australian Border Force. The court heard Dole purchased an EKOL Viper 2.5 inch revolver from online website Hillbilly Collectibles for $263 on July 15 last year. The gun is typically used to start greyhound races. The package was labeled as “tools”, and raised the suspicions of Australian customs officers in Sydney who inspected it and labeled it a Tier 2 prohibited item. They allowed it to be delivered to Dole’s workplace on August 13, and then intercepted him with the package shortly after. Dole did not apply to import the gun, nor did he possess a firearms licence. Australian Border Force also conducted a raid on Dole’s Kangaroo Flat residence. Dole’s defence counsel argued he made no attempt to conceal the weapon, was co-operative with Border Force officers and fully admitted to the crime. He also admitted to police that he knew it was illegal to import the gun. Magistrate Michael King said it was a serious offence to illegally import weapons into Australia. “You have an obligation to check what you can and can’t import into this country,” he said. “Guns like this can be used for illegal purposes.” Dole was convicted and fined $1200, with $79.50 in court costs.

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