A WORCESTER man has been fined £6,000 and given a suspended 24 month jail sentence for ownership of prohibited weapons and importing prohibited weapons with intent to evade prohibition/restriction.
Following an investigation by West Mercia Police that started after UK Border Agency intercepted a torch shaped Conducted Energy Device (CED).
Ian Retter, 55, of Bentham Avenue appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday, January 9 where he pleaded guilty before a jury was sworn in.
After his arrest on 22 May 2018 for the attempted importation offence a search of his home on Bentham Avenue was conducted looking for further prohibited weapons.
During the search various weapons were seized including knives, a pistol and two further Conducted Energy Devices (CED) – most recognisable known as Tasers.
He was charged with three counts of ownership of prohibited weapons and one offence of importing prohibited weapon.
Following the sentencing, PC Rich Foxall said: “Following the investigation by PC Simon Rose, we are pleased with this result which is the culmination of an investigation that started off when we were issued information from the UK Border Agency who had intercepted a CED in the shape of a torch.
“Retter has been given a substantial fine and suspended prison sentence for his ownership of prohibited weapons.
“Thanks to the diligence of the UK border force who informed us of the imported weapon, we have been able to put this case together and reduce the availability of weapons in our city.
“I hope that this successful prosecution will discourage others from importing such items, it is a criminal offence to have these in your possession, and we will continue to work closely with the UK Border Agency to clamp down such weapons being imported into our area.”
