A 44-year-old has been sentenced after a stun gun he bought online was detected in the post.

Anthony Walker, 44, of Springfield Drive, Ilford, was sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court on Wednesday (August 28) after pleading guilty to possession and importation of a stun gun, a prohibited weapon.

He was given two years in jail, suspended for two years.

Walker obtained the stun gun, which was disguised as a torch, online. But it was detected in the post by the Border Force and the matter was investigated by the Met's Counter Terrorism Command.

Commander Richard Smith, head of the Met's Counter Terrorism Command, said: “The Met works in partnership with other police forces and security agencies in a joined up approach to spot and challenge any suspicious behaviour or activity.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

(The stun gun disguised as a torch. Photo: Met Police)

“Working with colleagues in the Border Force, who intercepted Walker’s parcel, we were alerted to his attempt to obtain a proscribed dangerous device.

“Police then acted decisively to curtail any threat he might have posed, ensuring there were no other suspects involved and no danger to Londoners.

Martin Hendy, Border Force deputy director of inland border and aviation said: “Border Force officers at postal hubs, ports and airports across the UK are at the frontline of keeping illegal items, including offensive weapons, out of the country.

“As in this case, seizures can often be the vital first step in bringing a prosecution and we will not hesitate to share intelligence with the Met and other law enforcement agencies.”

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Walker came to police attention on March 29, 2018 after the Border Force intercepted a package from China addressed to him. It contained a stun gun disguised as a torch, which he had ordered online.

A search of his home address by police found he had another such item.

Counter Terrorism Command was notified of Walker’s activity and continued the investigation. A further search of his home address was carried out as well as a search on two vehicles belonging to him.

On August 7, 2018, Walker voluntarily attended an east London police station where he was arrested by Counter Terrorism detectives for possession of firearms – without intent, importation of weapons, and offensive weapons. He admitted he had imported the stun devices and was released under investigation.

Walker was later charged by postal requisition and appeared at Snaresbrook Crown on July 10 where he pleaded guilty. He was bailed to appear at the same court on 28 August for sentencing.

Any suspicious behaviour or activity can be reported via the Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) website at www.gov.uk/ACT

Alternatively, call the Anti-Terrorist Hotline in confidence on 0800 789 321