Hartlepool man jailed for possessing stun gun disguised as torch after worried parents called police over zapping noises

Liam Hunter, of Montague Street, Hartlepool, was jailed for two years at Teesside Crown Court for the offence which carries a five-year starting point.

The sentence was reduced after the judge said there were exceptional circumstances due to the mental health difficulties Hunter had at the time.

The court heard how his mother and father were concerned that he might ‘kick off’ on April 7 2020 and were worried about zapping noises they heard coming from the 20-year-old’s bedroom.

Jon Harley, prosecuting, said: “They were concerned about his behaviour. They told the police they thought he was about to kick off in their words and asked them to come quickly.

"They also mentioned he had what they described as a ‘zapper’ and heard a buzzing noise coming from his bedroom.

"Officers attended. Mr Hunter was in an unpredictable and aggressive frame of mind.”

Officers aimed their own taser at Hunter when he reached for something in his trouser pockets and police recovered the device which was charged and ready to use.

But the court heard he did not brandish the weapon which he bought in Hartlepool for £40.

It was said he planned to sell it on shortly after.

Hunter, who had no previous convictions, admitted having a disguised firearm.

Martin Scarborough, defending, said he had done a lot of work with the local mental health team since June.

The court heard his condition meant he could act impulsively and with a lack of maturity.

Mr Scarborough added Hunter, now 21, was supported by his parents and had shown genuine remorse.

Judge Stephen Ashurst said he did not believe Hunter appreciated the seriousness of the offence when he bought the taser.

He said: “I take the view that to pass the minimum sentence in your case would result in an arbitrary and disproportionate sentence in respect of what you actually did as an immature and rather stupid young man who was having difficulty with his mental health at the time.”

Jailing Hunter for two years, he added: "That is the least sentence I can pass to make it clear that possession of this type of weapon is regarded seriously by the courts.”

Related story: Border officials intercept stun guns from China and Holland destined for Hartlepool

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