A MAN has been given a suspended sentence for possession of prohibited weapons including tasers, knives and a pistol.

Ian Retter, 55, admitted owning the prohibited weapons before a jury was sworn in for his trial.

Knives, a pistol and two tasers had been found at his city home.

An investigation began after West Mercia Police were alerted by the UK Border Agency that Retter had attempted to import a torch-shaped 'Taser'.

Retter’s arrest in May last year for the attempted importation offence prompted a search of his home in Bentham Avenue, Worcester.

During the search various weapons were seized including knives, a pistol and two further tasers.

Retter was charged with three counts of ownership of prohibited weapons and one offence of importing prohibited weapon.

He was fined £6,000 and given a suspended sentenced of 24 months when he appeared at Worcester Crown Court on Wednesday, January 9.

Following the sentencing, PC Rich Foxall said: “Following the investigation by PC Simon Rose, we are pleased with this result which is the culmination of an investigation that started off when we were issued information from the UK Border Agency.

“Retter has been given a substantial fine and suspended prison sentence for his ownership of prohibited weapons.

“Thanks to the diligence of the UK border force who informed us of the imported weapon, we have been able to put this case together and reduce the availability of weapons in our city.

“I hope that this successful prosecution will discourage others from importing such items.

"It is a criminal offence to have these in your possession, and we will continue to work closely with the UK Border Agency to clamp down on such weapons being imported into our area.”