PISTOLS PROBED IN '70S IRELAND

Official papers made public for the first time reveal police considered prosecuting record stores in 1978 for selling the band's first album, Never Mind The Bollocks, Here's The Sex Pistols.

The record was referred to Ireland's censorship board, with the Irish deputy assistant chief state solicitor confirming it possibly contravened the Indecent Advertisements Act.

But the case was not proceeded with as the likely punishment - a small fine - would not justify the manpower required.

The state papers on the incident include a quote from an inspector of the Garda Siochana, the Republic of Ireland's police force: "The title on the sleeve... would indicate that the contents of the record is obscene."