Wife of man who allegedly tried to take a shotgun through Sydney Airport security breaks down in tears as he faces court for the first time

A shotgun allegedly found in the luggage of a man trying to leave Australia was an ‘unserviceable’ antique, a court has been told.

Antonios Moussa, 39, could serve up to 20 years in prison if he is found violating gun trafficking laws.

Moussa was flagged by security at Sydney Airport on December 28 after X-ray examination revealed a suspicious item in his checked luggage.

According to police, an inspection of the bag revealed parts of a disassembled hunting rifle and ammunition.

Moussa was scheduled to fly to Lebanon but instead spent the following week in jail, charged with trafficking prohibited firearms or firearm parts from Australia.

He was reunited with a large group of his family and friends at a bail hearing on Tuesday.

Although the facts of the alleged offense were “disturbing,” Moussa’s attorney said he believed the matter would be clear once his client entered a plea.

“It will be shown… that the weapon did not work. There was a… broken stock,” lawyer Stephen Stanton told Downing Center Local Court.

“It’s an old gun, about 80 years old.”

While Moussa’s acceptance does not pose an unacceptable risk to the community, Magistrate Hugh Donnelly said a prison sentence could still be a real possibility due to the nature of the charge.

“In this case, a custodial sentence is likely because of the way the crime is framed,” he told the court.

He granted bail with conditions including reporting to police every two weeks, causing Moussa’s wife to burst into tears.

The court was told that Moussa was a director of at least five companies.

These included wardrobe, carpentry and land development companies.

Although he had a firearms license, which was suspended upon his arrest, police allege the shotgun was not registered in his name.

AFP Detective Chief Inspector Dom Stephenson described that the weapon allegedly found in Moussa’s bag had the potential to cause real damage.

Moussa was reunited with a large group of his family and friends at a bail hearing at Downing Center Court on Tuesday.

“It was reportedly initially claimed that the weapon was a drench gun used for agriculture,” he said.

‘However, the AFP subsequently determined that the weapon was a shotgun that had been split into two parts.’

“Airport security staff were vigilant and, together with AFP officers, acted quickly to ensure the safety of the traveling public and prevent weapons from being taken offshore.”

Moussa must appear in court again at a later date.