AIRPORT'S STUN GUN LUGGAGE SHOCKER
PASSENGER RETURNING FROM FAMILY HOLIDAY WAS CAUGHT BRINGING STUN GUNS, CS GAS AND NUNCHUCKS THROUGH CARDIFF AIRPORT
A HOLIDAYMAKER was caught with dozens of weapons including knuckle dusters, stun guns and a set of nunchucks in his luggage at Cardiff Airport.
Ryan Sullivan was returning from a family holiday at a seaside resort in Bulgaria when he was stopped at security and found to have the prohibited items in his suitcase.
During the hearing at Cardiff Crown Court, prosecutor Jeffrey Jones described the weapons as “metal” and “heavy” as a police officer held them up to show the judge.
The court heard the 24-year-old from Ely was stopped at the airport on July 2 last year as he returned from a twoweek holiday with his partner and children.
Prosecutors said Sullivan was caught with 38 prohibited weapons, which he described as “holiday souvenirs”.
The weapons made a clanking noise as the police officer in the witness box lifted them out of a bag.
Mr Jones said there were two stun guns disguised as mobile phones, which were capable of discharging between 5,000 and 8,000 volts.
Police also recovered five stun guns disguised as torches.
The court heard there were 13 CS gas canisters and pepper sprays capable of causing nausea, vomiting and muscular dysfunction.
Officers also found nine knuckle dusters, six metal batons, a set of nunchucks, and a butterfly knife in the luggage.
Mr Jones said: “The Crown point to the volume as being the utmost aggravating feature.”
When he was arrested, the defendant told police the weapons were “holiday souvenirs”.
Sullivan, from Ronald Place in Ely, admitted possessing stun guns, CS gas canisters, knuckle dusters, metal batons, nunchucks, and a butterfly knife.
He originally entered a basis of plea stating the items were souvenirs, which the judge dismissed as “nonsense”.
His case was listed for a trial of issue but the basis was later withdrawn.
Jonathan Lewis, defending, said his client was of previous clean character and provided references, including one from an Assembly Member and another from a local councillor.
The judge described them as “powerful documents” which showed the defendant as a “caring young man” dedicated to helping his local community.
Mr Lewis pointed out the voltage of the stun guns was “not lethal” and lower than that of Tasers issued to the police – which are between 50,000 and 70,000 volts.
He accepted there was a “large quantity” but emphasised most of the items were still in their packaging.
The defence barrister said his client was not well travelled and told the court the weapons were legal in Bulgaria.
He added: “He was ignorant of just how serious a position he was putting himself in.”
Sullivan, who was running his own business, was judged by the Probation Service to present a low risk of re-offending and a low risk of harm.
Mr Lewis said: “He does understand the need for a deterrent sentence.”
But he argued there were “exceptional circumstances” and suggested the minimum five-year jail term would be disproportionate.
He added: “The mere closing of the prison door behind him will be punitive enough.”
Judge Michael Fitton QC noted the “sheer number” of weapons. He found the defendant brought them into the country to supply them to other people.
Sullivan was jailed for four years and the judge made an order for the weapons to be destroyed.
Following the case, Leighton Mawer of the CPS said: “The evidence was overwhelming against Sullivan and resulted in guilty pleas.
“Bringing illegal weapons into the country can result in serious consequences for those who attempt to do so.
“The CPS will continue to work with the relevant law enforcement agencies regarding the importation of these dangerous items into our country.”