AN IRISH BUSINESSMAN living in the UK has been sentenced to three years in prison after being caught in possession of a stun gun, as well as a cache of other weapons following a search of his home.
51-year-old Thomas Kavanagh, originally from Dublin, was arrested at Birmingham City Airport in January by officers from the National Crime Agency (NCA).
The officers were investigating a supply line believed to be passing drugs and firearms between Ireland and the UK when they arrested Kavanagh.
After a search of his house near Tamworth in Staffordshire, which was reportedly "highly fortified", police discovered a 10,000 volt stun gun - disguised as a pink torch.
It is illegal to own, possess or purchase a stun gun in the UK and Kavanagh was charged with offences under Section 5 of the Firearms Act.
Other weapons such as a machetes, a samurai sword, an axe, nunchucks and even a shillelagh were reportedly found during the search, all of which were held illegally, according to the BBC.
Peter Bellis, lead investigator for the NCA, said: “These types of weapons are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. This is why they are prohibited in the UK.
“Our wider investigation into money laundering, drugs and firearms supply continues.”
Back in July, after a three-day trial, Kavanagh was found guilty at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court and will now serve prison time.
