POLICE attending a domestic disturbance involving a man and his wife ended up finding a stun gun disguised as a torch.

Burnley Crown Court heard officers were called to Larch Street, Nelson, on March 7, last year, and arrested warehouse operator Tomasz Wehsela in connection with the disturbance.

Prosecuting, Stephen Parker said it was during a subsequent search of the house that officers found the disguised weapon.

Mr Parker said: "His property was searched and recovered during that was something which on the face of it appeared to be a torch. But on further inspection was discovered to be a stun gun, located by the police in full working order.

"When pressing the on button an electric arc came from the front of the device. It was made safe by police firearm officers. It was sent for analysis to confirm what everyone knew - it was a stun gun."

Wehsela, 26, of Larch Street, Nelson, was initially charged with possession of a disguised firearm but later pleaded guilty to possessing a stun gun.

Defending, Kevin Donnelly said his client was a hard-working man with only one previous conviction for criminal damage and pleaded with the court for leniency.

Mr Donnelly said: "There is no suggestion he has at any time used this item and I do invite your honour to treat that as a significant point in mitigating his position.

"He has been living in the UK since the latter part of 2017. He lives with his partner and two daughters, aged 11 and eight.

"He has worked consistently since he came to the UK."

He added: "He is hard-working and not someone who has pro-criminal attitudes. He understands the seriousness of the position he finds himself in."

Judge Sara Dodd said: "Items such as this can cause a great deal of damage. That is why the're taken so seriously by the court. I accept you have not committed any offence with this item. Nor was it produced during the incident with your wife that led to your arrest. But I am entirely satisfied the custody threshold has been crossed."

Citing a realistic prospect of rehabilitation, Judge Dodd sentenced Wehsela to eight months custody, suspended for 18 months and ordered him to complete 100 hours unpaid work.