Blackburn man brought Tasers home from holiday (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Blackburn man brought Tasers home from holiday

10:00pm Friday 17th August 2012 in Blackburn

A 43-YEAR-OLD old man who brought two Tasers back from a holiday in Turkey claimed he had been using one as a torch while doing some DIY in his shed.

Blackburn magistrates heard police were called after Walter McCurdy was seen outside his home with one of the electrical incapacitation devices.

McCurdy, of Bethesda Close, Blackburn, pleaded guilty to possessing a weapon as defined by the Firearms Act. He was given a conditional discharge for 12 months and ordered to pay £85 costs.

The magistrates also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the tasers.

Mr Peter Wild, prosecuting, said police recovered one of the tasers from McCurdy and the other was found in the house still boxed.

“They are described as small torch-like implements with two prongs sticking out,” he said. When they were tried a high-powered, blue electrical charge emitted across the prongs.”

When he was interviewed, McCurdy said he knew what they were, but did not realise they were illegal.

Damian Pickup, defending, said McCurdy had spent £8 each on the items but did not realise he was breaking the law.

“Shortly before this incident he had been using one of the tasers to provide light while he was decorating,” said Mr Pickup.

“He has been incredibly naive and finds himself before the court on what is a very serious charge.”