A 60-year-old man has admitted stashing a pistol inside a carrier bag at a garage in Garston.
Antonio Belli was caught when police raided the premises in Long Lane earlier this year.
He was today warned that he will likely face prison as a result of the discovery on Thursday, June 17 this year.
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Officers said the black handgun was found hidden in the plastic bag at the residential garage at around 9.30am.
Merseyside Police released images of the weapon and confirmed a man had been arrested at the scene and subsequently charged.
Belli, of Allerton Road, Mossley Hill, previously admitted possession of a firearm at a hearing at Wirral Magistrates' Court on June 18.
He appeared in the dock at Liverpool Crown Court for sentencing today wearing a black suit, white shirt and tie and carrying a large black holdall.
However, Brendan Carville, defending, said he would now be putting forward a basis of plea on behalf of his client.
He said: "Your honour this is listed for sentence today, but there are further important enquiries, which need to be made I think by both sides [prosecution and defence].
"The upshot is we're not ready for sentence today.
"We would ask for a slightly longer adjournment of six weeks plus, until October 15, for a mention hearing, the defendant to attend, with a one hour estimate.
"Can I undertake to provide a basis of plea by 4pm on Monday next, September 6?
"I would ask for bail to be continued for that interim period please."
Christopher Hopkins, prosecuting, supported the application for an adjournment, which was granted by Judge Anil Murray.
The judge told Belli: "Your case will be listed for sentence or mention on October 15, with a time estimate of one hour.
"I'm going to give you bail until then. Don't read anything into that - this is a very serious offence, which almost inevitably will require a custodial sentence."
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