A man with mental health problems appeared in court today on charges of possessing an AK47 assault rifle in north Belfast.
James Armstrong (25), unemployed, of Wilton Street, Belfast, was also accused of having a Browning 9mm pistol and 39 rounds of ammunition
Mr Armstrong faced two charges of possession and possession with intent to endanger life at Belfast Magistrate's Court.
He was arrested after detectives allegedly discovered the weapons in the Shankill Road district on Wednesday.
A woman detained during the investigation was later released pending further police reports.
Detective Constable Eddie Doyle told the court Mr Armstrong made no reply to the first charge and declared: "Not guilty" when the second offence was put to him at Antrim Road police station yesterday.
During cross-examination a defence solicitor asked Mr Doyle to confirm his client has significant mental health problems. The detective replied that Mr Armstrong needed an appropriate adult present for the interview.
Claiming the accused had been under duress, the solicitor added: "He said the items were in his property for only a matter of hours."
Mr Armstrong was remanded in custody to appear again via a video link on May 20th.