Joshua Kenneth Penny: Alleged gun thief pleads guilty to possessing firearms but denies burglary and stealing

The subject of a manhunt last year has plead guilty to illegally possessing firearms, but denied charges of stealing them during a burglary, as well as one charge of wielding a spear.

Joshua Kenneth Penny was the subject of a police search in October after allegedly stealing three firearms from a property in Irwin.

It was alleged Mr Penny broke into the home and stole items including the rifles, worth $12,270.

It was also alleged Mr Penny was armed with a spear and screwdriver on the day he was arrested.

Mr Penny pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing three firearms, as well as other earlier charges of possessing a prohibited weapon and ammunition.

However he pleaded not guilty to charges of burglary and stealing, as well as being armed in a way that may cause fear.

Mr Penny will appear in court for his trial date allocation on May 8.