Holiday Prank Gone Wrong! Man Caught Bringing CS Gas and Stun Guns into UK
Customs Snatch Dangerous Weapons at Newcastle Airport
Gary Wilson, 51, was stopped at Newcastle Airport last summer after returning from Bulgaria with a suitcase full of banned weapons. Customs officers uncovered eight stun torches, a stun device, five CS gas canisters, and two extendable batons. Wilson claimed these were “gifts” and intended for pranks with friends.
‘I Knew I Shouldn’t Bring Them In’ – Suspect Confesses
During police questioning, Wilson admitted he hid the weapons because he knew they were illegal in the UK but said he took the risk anyway. He pleaded guilty to three counts of possessing prohibited weapons and one count of carrying an offensive weapon.
Suspended Sentence and Community Service for Dangerous Import
On October 30, Wilson appeared at Newcastle Crown Court. He was sentenced to 16 months suspended for two years, ordered to complete 211 hours of unpaid work, pay £450 in costs, and a £140 surcharge.
Police Warn: No Excuses for Bringing Offensive Weapons into UK
“We take a strong stance against anyone who buys, sells or imports offensive weapons such as CS gas, stun devices and knives,” said Detective Chief Inspector Mick Kirtley of NERSOU. “Just because it’s for a prank or bought abroad doesn’t mean it’s legal here. These are dangerous weapons, not toys.”
He urged anyone tempted to bring such items into the UK to “think twice” and warned of serious criminal consequences.
