Sunderland man spared jailed after being caught with stun gun disguised as a torch in Mowbray Park
Jason Jemma had the device, which was a stun gun, or taser, but looked like a regular torch and had the word 'police' printed on, at Mowbray Park in Sunderland in September 2018.
After a trial at Newcastle Crown Court the 31-year-old, of Peasemore Road, Pennywell, Sunderland, was convicted of possessing a disguised firearm.
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Hide AdHe had pleaded guilty to possessing a CS gas canister and a small amount of cannabis, which he was also carrying.
Judge Julie Clemitson told him at the sentencing hearing today: "You had a stun gun disguised as a torch in Mowbray Park.
"When interviewed you told the police a friend had bought the taser, you thought he had bought it from the dark web.
"You said you had taken it out in public for the first time that day."
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Hide AdJemma told police he had been the victim of an attack in the same park previously.
Judge Clemitson told him: "You said you knew you shouldn't have it and you wouldn't have used it.
"You had the device with you with the intention to deter would-be attackers."
Judge Clemitson said the device was "non lethal" and could have caused pain but not serious injury.
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Hide AdJemma was sentenced two years imprisonment, suspended for two years. with rehabilitation requirements and a six month curfew.
Tony Cornberg, said Jemma has unresolved bereavement and anxiety issues and being assisted by the probation service is more constructive than him going to jail.