A man found with 31 stun guns told police they were 'just toys', but a judge said he intended them to reach criminals. Kie Connor, 24, was jailed for three years and eight months at Manchester Crown Court.
Police raid in Eccles
Police executed a warrant at Connor's home in Eccles, Salford, on June 11. He was living there with his family. Connor appeared nervous and was shaking. Officers soon discovered 18 black boxes in the living room, which were stun guns similar to those issued to police. A further 13 boxes were found, making 31 stun guns in total.
Claims of toys
Connor admitted the weapons were his but said they were 'just toys' and 'didn't work'. He claimed to have bought them from a website based in China. However, two of the stun guns were tested and found to be in full working order. Prosecutor Philip Hall said the weapons were 'anything but toys'.
Judge's remarks
Recorder Phil Barnes KC said: "I have no doubt that the only reason you possessed 31 such weapons is because you intended them to find their way into the hands of criminals." He added that the weapons are not lethal but can be dangerous.
Phone PIN incident
During the search, police seized Connor's mobile phone. When asked for his PIN, he told them '1234', but instead of unlocking the device, it triggered a 'distress code' that locked it and wiped its contents.
Previous convictions
At the time of his arrest, Connor was on licence and under a suspended sentence for dangerous driving. He had been sentenced to five-and-a-half years in prison in 2021 for offences including possessing a shotgun, resulting in a lifetime ban from possessing firearms.
Defence and sentence
Defending, Ellie Watson said it was a 'shame' Connor was back in prison as he had made efforts to turn his life around. She noted he had engaged with probation and sought employment and housing. "He is now wanting to make changes to his life," she said. Connor, of no fixed address, pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm while prohibited and breaching a suspended prison sentence. He was sentenced to three years and eight months.
