A man has been jailed for possession of a 19th Century double-barrelled shotgun.

Police found the antique weapon when they searched gardener Simon Boxall's home in Worthing.

He had kicked in a neighbour's front door during a drunken row with his partner.

The gun was locked in a wardrobe and covered with cobwebs. Ammunition was also found in the house, although not for use in that gun.

Magistrates in Worthing heard yesterday how officers were called on June 2 after Boxall, 26, whose youngest children are eight-month-old twins, had an argument at a friend's house in which he grabbed Christine Ballard around the throat and shook her.

Detectives searched his home and found the shotgun. They also discovered 12 cannabis plants growing in the loft.

Nigel Creasey, prosecuting, told the court: "The gun was manufactured in the 19th century and the barrels contained cobwebs indicating it had not been shot for some time.

"There were cartridges elsewhere in the house but none of those fitted the gun in question.

"Mr Boxall told police he had taken possession of the shotgun at a rubbish clearance and had no intention to use it."

Boxall pleaded guilty on June 19 to possessing a gun without a certificate, possessing prohibited ammunition, assault by beating, criminal damage and cultivating cannabis.

He was bailed to live with his grandfather in Arundel Road, Poling, near Arundel.

Jo Ayling, defending, said: "He's the first to admit his behaviour was totally unacceptable.

"He is taking steps to change his lifestyle and address some of the problems he has."

Magistrate Jane Davies told Boxall: "The weapon was usable and the ammunition was live, even if it was for a different weapon."

Boxall was sentenced to three months in prison for the firearms offences.

The magistrate added there would be no separate penalty imposed for the other charges.