A man found in possession of a stun gun by police in Carlisle has been ordered to carry out unpaid work.
Gary Latimer, 45, was searched by officers who stopped a vehicle in the city on March 6.
A charged stun gun — disguised as a knuckle duster — was found in Latimer’s jacket pocket.
Latimer appeared at Carlisle Magistrates’ Court last month and pleaded guilty to the offence.
His previous convictions included offensive weapon possession and drug supply.
Latimer, of Clapperton Road, Annan, was sentenced today, when a defence lawyer said he had been in possession of the weapon while anxious about local house break-ins.
He had intended to keep the device at his home address, but then forgot it was in his coat pocket.
District judge John Temperley considered a detailed probation service pre-sentence report before he handed down the punishment.
Latimer was made subject to a 12-month community order, and must complete 140 hours of unpaid work.
The judge made a deprivation order which means the seized stun gun will not be returned to Latimer.
