Jail For Phuket Holidaymaker Who Returned With Stun Guns And Flick-Knife

A holidaymaker, who was stopped by customs after returning from a romantic getaway in Phuket with his girlfriend, was jailed for sixteen months yesterday after two stun guns and a flick-knife were found in his luggage.

Andrew James Smith, 39, of Bray Close, Crewe, bought the stun guns – disguised as torches - for only £9.00 on the Thai island and paid £1.00 for the flick-knife, which doubled as a cigarette lighter, because he was desperate to light up after his 13-hour flight.

He pleaded guilty at Isleworth Crown Court of unlawfully importing the two firearms at Heathrow Airport on Christmas Day, last year and possessing the offensive weapon after stepping off his El Al flight.

The court heard the items were found among gifts he had bought for family and friends, which included soft toys, remote-controlled cars and framed pictures.

“There was no intention of ever using these for self-defence or ever harming anyone,” said Mr. Stephen Mejzner, defending. “As soon as he got off the plane in Thailand he bought the lighter outside the airport because he wanted a cigarette.

“Every cigarette lighter there was a similar novelty item and these torches were on every stall and even children were buying them.

“The Thai locals were playing around with them and Mr. Smith thought they were a joke item. They were not even called stun guns, but 'zappers.'

“He had no idea they were illegal or could cause harm and intended giving one of the torches to his brother.”

Smith has since split with his legal secretary girlfriend. “The last few months have been an absolute nightmare for him and he has returned to drinking as a coping mechanism.

“An immediate custodial sentence will probably result in him losing his house of ten years.”

Judge Dugdale was pursuaded the five-year minimum sentence did not apply in the circumstances, but told Smith, who has convictions for grievous bodily harm and affray, importing such weapons brings the risk they could fall into criminal hands.

“It may seem more of a laugh when you are a long, long way away in Thailand, but then the reality comes crashing down when you return.”