A 'weapons collector' who ordered a stun gun from China was warned by Magistrates to make sure his collection is legal after being fined.
Oliver Tubb, of Park Lane in Weymouth, appeared before Weymouth Magistrates’ Court on Friday, July 19.
The 36-year-old was charged with possessing ballistic darts and a stun gun in Weymouth.
The charges stated that on November 23, 2023, in Weymouth, Tubb, without the authority of the Secretary of State, had in his possession a weapon designed or adapted for the discharge of a thing, namely ballistic darts.
He was also charged with importing a prohibited weapon, namely a stun gun, contrary to a prohibition in force by virtue of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979 with respect to that weapon and with intent to evade the prohibition.
A package carrying the weapon addressed to Tubb was intercepted by the UK Border Force.
Police searched his home and also found a ballistic darts launcher in his living room.
The weapons were part of a collection owned by Tubb.
Kate Moore, prosecuting, said: “On September 20, 2023, the UK Border Force intercepted a package addressed to Tubb.
“It was dispatched from China and contained a USB stun gun.
“Police searched the address and Tubb was arrested at his home by officers.
“A search of his flat found there were numerous weapons on clear display, there were a number of other items which he was not charged for, these items were taken by police.”
Lee Christmas, mitigating said: “The defendant has pleaded guilty at the first opportunity.
“He is someone who cooperated fully with the police.
“He is a man with no previous convictions.
“Weapons are things he collects, it started with a fascination with Samurais.
“He would buy the items online on Wish – which is a legitimate website.
“He knows you can’t have these items in public and has never taken them out.
“He wasn’t aware they were illegal to possess in his home.
“It was a collection, some people collect stamps, he collects weapons.
“He has mental health conditions, he suffered a brain injury and has been diagnosed with Myotonic Dystrophy, which is similar to autism.
“He lives on his own and is reliant on benefits.
“He has learned, through this process, that there are items you cannot possess.”
Kate Ball, chair of the magistrates’’ bench, said: “Taken into account your remorse and we have taken into account your circumstances.
“We don’t feel this is worth a community sentence.”
Tubb was fined £120, ordered to pay a surcharge of £48 and £85 in court costs.
The Magistrates also ordered the forfeiture and destruction of the two weapons.
Kate Ball, chair of the Magistrates' bench warned Tubb that he must ensure his collection is legal.
She said: "The other weapons are a matter for police, if they are legal, they may be returned to you.
“Please be careful, these sorts of weapons aren’t to be taken out in public.
“You need to spend time to make sure these items you are interested in are legal.
“It is for you to make sure you comply with the law, it is not for someone else to spoonfeed you the information.
“You need to make sure you don’t do this again.”
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