A 50-year-old man appeared in court today over firearms charges.

Dean Stokes of Balmoral Road in Leyton faces two charges of possessing a pump action rifle and having ammunition without a certificate.

The gardener appeared before district judge Mary Connolly at Thames Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Mr Stokes, who was arrested Wednesday, was held in custody to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on May 1.