A “NAIVE” man was found hiding in a bed by officers with hundreds of bullets in his possession.

Shaun Havard, a self-described collector of militaria, had army cartridges that were allegedly stolen in in a burglary of a private home.

The 31-year-old didn’t realise possessing the bullets was a criminal offence and when officers were tipped off that there was a link between the burglary and Havard, they visited a property where he was known to live.

Matthew Lawson, prosecutor, told Southampton Crown Court: “When they entered the property officers were told that Havard wasn’t inside.

“Police then searched the house and found him hiding in a bed and found the bullets in his possession.”

The contents were examined and 337 .22 rifle bullets and 23 other rounds on his person.

Mr Lawson added: “There is no link of the burglary to Havard but he said to officers when arrested that police knew he had a collection of used cartridges.

“He said that the bullets were given to him. He also said that he just had an interest in collecting these items.”

The court heard that in total Havard had previously been convicted 34 times for 65 offences, including possession of a bladed article, burglary and arson endangering lives.

Mitigating, Jamie Gammon explained that Havard was unaware it was a criminal offence to possess the items.

He added: “Quite clearly, Havard has been naive..he didn’t even own an item to use the bullets with.”

Havard, of HMP Portland, pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing ammunition.

He was sentenced to six months imprisonment.