An "eccentric, isolated" man who kept dozens of weapons - including a machine gun, a crossbow and a laser - on his property, is also being investigated for illegal waste dumping, a Melbourne court has been told.
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Graham Leslie White, 57, appeared in the County Court of Victoria on Thursday after pleading guilty to firearms offences, with lawyer Ian Hill QC describing his client as "idiosyncratic".
In addition, the court was told that the Wallan-based White, who operated businesses in recycling, was being investigated by the Environment Protection Authority for illegal waste dumping.
It is believed White is linked to toxic waste stockpiles found in warehouses at Epping, Campbellfield and West Footscray.
The chemical waste, stored in 1000-litre plastic containers, was discovered following a toxic West Footscray factory fire last year that burned for days and sent toxins into local waterways.
"As a result of police attendance at his property, they determined there might be illegal waste being dumped," Mr Hill said.
"The EPA was alerted and he's now being investigated by the EPA regarding illegal waste pollution."
The court was told White owed $2.87 million to the Bendigo Bank and had a "parlous" financial situation.
On Thursday, the court was told when police attended White's property, they found dozens of weapons in his house including swords, knives, a crossbow and bolts, a laser and imitation guns.
Mr Hill said White was a collector of movie memorabilia, had a genuine interest in firearms, and had purchased the costumes and memorabilia from Melbourne's now-defunct Dracula's cabaret restaurant.
He added White had 24 cars on his property also, mainly American "muscle" vehicles.
Mr Hill described his client as having lived a "useful, law-abiding existence" but was someone with a "longstanding social anxiety" who was "deeply introverted".
"This is a man who is somewhat eccentric who has a relatively isolated life on this semi-rural property," Mr Hill said.
"With a machine gun," Judge John Smallwood replied.
"These weapons just shouldn't be in the community.
"Arsenals like this just cannot be kept like that."
White has estimated his weapons collection is valued at $50,000. He has agreed to forfeit the weapons.
White will return to court for further plea and sentence on Tuesday.
Australian Associated Press
