Former NSW police officer pleads guilty to weapons charges

A former NSW Police officer has pleaded guilty to three weapons charges, two of which carry a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail.Jonathan James Martin appeared in the Armidale Local Court today.The former senior constable pleaded guilty to charges of possessing or using a prohibited weapon without a permit, possessing an unauthorised pistol, and possessing ammunition without holding a licence.The first two charges carry a maximum penalty of 14 years in jail, while the ammunition charge can lead to a fine of $5,500.Defence solicitor Emalie Hurcum told the court not guilty pleas were entered for 17 other charges.She said the remaining charge of using of an unauthorised pistol would likely be a plea of guilty, but that decision was reserved for now."Do you confirm the pleas of guilty?" Judge Mark Richardson asked Martin."Yes, that is correct," Martin replied.The court also heard Martin was facing separate charges, including assault and intimidation.He had previously pleaded guilty to several of the charges, but is attempting to reserve the plea.Ms Harcum told the court she had filed to have all of Martin's matters moved to Newcastle, which was not opposed by prosecutor Sally Stuart.Ms Stuart said the 17 pleas of not guilty would be heard over three days of hearings.All of the matters were transferred to be heard before the Newcastle Local Court on April 1, with Martin having his bail extended.