A dad fearing for his daughter’s safety in Canonbury’s Marquess Estate gave her a shotgun for protection, a court heard.

The man, 53, pleaded guilty at Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court to transferring a firearm. His daughter, 24, also admitted possession of the gun and nine rounds of ammunition. They were both fined £200.

Their defence solicitor told the court: “There have been a number of incidents near his daughter’s home, including peeping toms, an intruder in the garden and two bogus gas men who took their meter away.” He added: “They are both very keen on sporting shooting.”

They were ordered to surrender their weapons.

Meanwhile, in a shocking sign of how house prices have exploded, Barnsbury tenant Patrick Henderson was furious at having to pay £75,000 to buy his desirable council townhouse in Batchelor Street.

The 40-year-old was expecting to pay £43,000, but town hall valuers got it wrong.