Nightclub Bouncer Had Cache Of Illegal Weapons In Luggage After Far East Holiday

A nightclub bouncer was caught at Heathrow Airport with a cache of illegal weapons in his luggage after a “trip of a lifetime” to Thailand.

Ashley Otter, 28, of Pendderi Road, Bynea, Llanelli, Dyfed had two stun guns, two knuckle dusters and a telescopic baton in his holdall, which he bought at a Bangkok market on the last day of his trip.

He pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing a prohibited weapon; two counts of possessing an offensive weapon and one count of importing a weapon on January 30.

Otter received twelve months imprisonment, suspended for a year, ordered to perform 200 hours community service and pay £150 costs.

Isleworth Crown Court Judge Martin Edmunds QC told the first-time offender: “If you found someone trying to bring them into a nightclub you would have confiscated them and called the police.”

Prosecutor Mr. James O'Connell told the court Otter arrived in the evening on a flight from Bangkok via Delhi and was asked by customs officials whether he was carrying cigarettes or weapons.

“He said he had one stun gun in his bag and when his holdall was searched the other items were found.

“He said he bought some gifts for friends on his last day and was aware they could not be purchased in the UK.”

Otter's lawyer Mr. Gerald Mohabir said: “He is mentally scarred and mentally contrite. He's a good egg that took a hard-boiled decision on holiday.

“On what he thought was the trip of a lifetime he bought these items at a market where they were not illegal.

“As soon as he passed customs he realised the decision was stupid and he was extremely nervous.

“He was not trying to smuggle them in for a nefarious purpose.”