AN AMPHETAMINE addict hoarded a stash of illegal weapons in his garden shed in the hope that he would be shot in a police raid, a court heard. Stephen Bailey, 42, of Park View, Wetherden, who pleaded guilty to a string of offences at Ipswich Crown Court, is today facing the prospect that he will almost certainly go to prison.

AN AMPHETAMINE addict hoarded a stash of illegal weapons in his garden shed in the hope that he would be shot in a police raid, a court heard.

Stephen Bailey, 42, of Park View, Wetherden, who pleaded guilty to a string of offences at Ipswich Crown Court, is today facing the prospect that he will almost certainly go to prison.

Bailey pleaded guilty to five offences including having an offensive weapon, which was an extendable baton and two lock knives. He also admitted possessing a prohibited weapon, a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid or gas.

In addition he pleaded guilty to possessing a shortened shotgun without a firearm certificate, possessing ammunition without a firearm certificate- two nine millimetre pistol rounds, and possession of Class B drug amphetamine sulphate.

The court heard the weapons came to light during a police raid on May 19. Defence lawyer Charles Myatt said his client has a heavy amphetamine addiction.

Mr Myatt said: "The reason for the shotgun was that he intended to take his own life. The reason for having weapons in his garden shed was to get the full weight of Suffolk Constabulary round so they could do the job for him."

The court heard that after he was arrested Bailey took a large dose of drugs he had hidden in his trousers.

Mr Myatt told the court that police missed a stash of drugs hidden by his client during the raid.

He said: "Police did not discover a large quantity of amphetamine sulphate.

"Mr Bailey ingested it at the station, he was rushed to hospital where he briefly died before being brought back to life by the good endeavours of hospital staff.

"He has benefited from a rapid detoxification while in custody."

Mr Myatt added: "Mr Bailey accepts the fact he will receive a custodial sentence."

Judge John Devaux ordered a psychiatric report.

He said Bailey will be brought back to court for sentencing in September.