THE GUN at the centre of a 40-hour siege between a terminally ill pensioner and police was apparently locked in a cupboard for the entire stand-off.

Terry Bridger claims his shotgun remained securely shut in a cabinet while armed police were outside his home in Harbour Road, Pagham, last year.

The 73-year-old was due to stand trial on Monday over the incident which trapped residents inside their homes for more than a day over the August bank holiday weekend. But instead he pleaded guilty to three out of six charges brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and will be sentenced next month.

He admitted making use of a firearm with intent to resist arrest and threatening to damage property – police lights and his own house.

The prosecution made the case that police believed he had the shotgun with him and he was prepared to use it if they entered his property, which meant they could not go inside to arrest or detain him. The CPS said Bridger had fired the shotgun before officers arrived outside.

But his defence barrister, Pierce Power, told Portsmouth Crown Court that Bridger denied handling the gun at any stage and that the weapon had remained in its shotgun cabinet while officers surrounded the house.

He had given the only two sets of keys to his wife Dawn, the court was told.

He was granted conditional bail by judge Christopher Parker on account of his terminal lung cancer so he could be at home with his family after being in custody since September 1.

The three remaining charges will lie on file until after he is sentenced on March 16.

Officers surrounded the house at 4.10pm on Sunday, August 28, after reports Bridger had a gun and was using threatening behaviour.

His wife Dawn had initially been inside the house but she left safely shortly after police arrived. No one was injured.

The ambulance and fire services were also called to the address. At 8.42am on Tuesday, August 30, Bridger told police he was leaving the property. A few minutes later he left, closing the door behind him. He was arrested and taken into custody.

At the time acting assistant chief constable Steve Whitton said: “This was a long, complex and challenging negotiation, but I am delighted to say that it has ended peacefully and safely as this was always our absolute priority.

“I also pay tribute to all the police officers and staff involved for their professionalism and determination to resolve this safely.

“It has resulted in considerable disruption for residents in the area and I would like to thank them for their patience and understanding.”