TRENT VALE

43-year-old bought weapon online ‘by mistake’

POLICE and paramedics called to a street. They were outside a property on Woodlands Road, at just before 2pm on Saturday.

A marked police car remained at the scene after the ambulance left.

CONFUSED James Heath landed himself in court when he ‘mistakenly’ bought a stun gun on the internet.

Police found the weapon at the 43-yearold’s address when they searched the premises in relation to another matter.

Heath said he had ordered the item to use as a torch and did not realise it had another function until he read the instructions.

Magistrates at North Staffordshire Justice Centre heard officers went to Heath’s address in Hanley on June 27 last year.

Prosecutor Emma Thompson said: “During the search, officers recovered a 2ft torch. The item was examined by an expert, who described it as a truncheon-style stun gun. It was operational. It was confirmed as a prohibited weapon.

“Mr Heath was interviewed. He confirmed he had purchased the item from the internet. He said he was going to use it to look at birds. He said the packaging did not say it was a stun gun.”

Heath, of Matthew Walk, Hanley, pleaded guilty to possessing an electrical incapacitation device.

Tony Cooke, mitigating, said: “There was never any intention to use this. Mr Heath got it by mistake. He tried to buy a torch and when it turned up it had this function. He realised that when he read the instructions. He then did not know what to do with it.”

Magistrates fined Heath £120 and ordered him to pay £219 in court costs and charges.