Stun guns among weapons found during drugs raid in Ballingry

Police carried out a drugs raid on a Fife house and found two stun guns disguised as mobile phones.

They also found air pistols, an air rifle and a live bullet at the home of Peter Howieson.

As a result, Howieson, 58, whose address was given as Kirkland Avenue, Ballingry, appeared in the dock at Dunfermline Sheriff Court.

He admitted that on November 18 at his home he was in possession of two stun guns disguised as mobile phones.

He was also in possession of two air pistols and an air rifle without holding a certificate.

He further admitted being in possession of a live bullet without holding a firearm certificate.

Depute fiscal Kyrsten Buist said police had obtained a drugs search warrant for Howieson’s home and executed it on November 18.

On top of a fridge officers found two stun guns which had been designed to look like mobile phones.

Defence solicitor Gordon Martin said that from photographs taken at the time, “it’s clear he is someone who collects items”.

He further suggested that his client’s home would be a good location for the TV programme How Clean Is Your House about decluttering.

Sheriff Charles MacNair called for background reports and Howieson is expected to return to court to be sentenced on August 22.

So-called stun guns fall into the category of “electroshock” weapons and are designed to incapacitate others by delivering an electric shock to temporarily disrupt muscle functions and/or inflict pain without causing significant injury.

Many types exist, including batons, prods and belts.