A MAN who was banned for life from owning dogs was found to have two in his house when police went to investigate firearms offences.

Blackburn magistrates heard John Orr had bought the dogs for his daughter after checking with his probation officer if there was anything preventing the purchase.

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Orr, 51, of Glenluce Crescent, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to breaching a disqualification. He was fined £50 with £20 costs which was set against time in custody after the magistrates heard he was serving a custodial sentence for the firearms offences.

Jonathan Taylor, defending, said Orr had been jailed in 2006 for wounding and possession of a dangerous dog which was out of control. On his release from prison he was unsure about some of the conditions of his licence.

"His daughter wanted a dog and he contacted his probation officer to check on the conditions," said Mr Taylor.

"His probation officer has confirmed there was nothing on his licence that prohibited him from keeping dogs but she told him to check with his solicitor to make sure. Unfortunately he failed to do that."

Mr Taylor said the dogs were family pets and there was no suggestion they were of a prohibited breed.