Holidaymaker admits carrying stun guns at Edinburgh Airport Published duration 28 September 2016

A holidaymaker caught bringing illegal stun guns and truncheons into Scotland has pleaded guilty to weapons offences.

Niall Dinsmore was held at Edinburgh Airport as he returned from Bulgaria with his girlfriend Kerri Luff, 25.

The 27-year-old initially claimed to UK Border Force officials on 31 August 2015 that he bought them as "gifts".

Dinsmore pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to two firearms charges and possessing offensive weapons.

'Unusual presents'

Dinsmore had five electric stun guns, disguised as torches, along with five steel batons.

The hearing was told he had bought them as presents as he thought they were "unusual".

Prosecutor Shirley McKenna added: "He thought he would get a slap on the wrist if caught."

Miss McKenna said he later "attributed his conduct to stupidity".

The court heard the stun gun devices were in good condition and had "an audible and visible display of sparks".

The batons measured 20ins when fully extended.

Richard Souter, defending, said Dinsmore, now living in Bansbridge, Northern Ireland, bought the items in "a state of complete ignorance".

Dinsmore had his bail continued pending sentencing in Edinburgh on 25 October.