Suspended sentence for man who had drugs and stun gun

Gerard Patrick McConway (58), Barban Mews, Dromore, admitted possession of a prohibited weapon and unlawful possession of cannabis on December 10, 2014.

For the stun gun offence he was sentenced to five months in prison while a two month term was imposed for the drugs charge.

Both sentences are to run concurrently and were suspended for three years.

The case had been adjourned from a previous court so that a pre-sentence report could be obtained.

The court heard that police carried out a search at the defendant’s address in Dromore and found a small amount of herbal cannabis.

An amount of cash seized but this was later confirmed to be legitimate savings between the defendant and his partner.

The amount of cannabis was 18 grams and McConway said it belonged to him and was for his own personal use.

The stun gun, which looked like an Iphone and had torch, was found in the hallway.

It was capable of producing between 10,000 and 15,000 volts.

A barrister representing the defendant said he accepted that he did have problems with cannabis and previous difficulties with alcohol.

District Judge, Mr Liam McNally, said that with the combination of drugs and a stun gun the court would be considering a custodial sentence.

The lawyer said that his client had previously received a suspended sentence which seemed to work and keep him out of trouble.

He added that someone had given McConway the stun gun about 18 months ago and there was no suggestion that he was dealing in drugs.

Imposing the suspended sentence Judge McNally told the defendant: “You came very close to an immediate custodial sentence.”