A MAN caught with a stun gun stashed in the boot of his car has been spared jail.

Nathan Johnson, of Siareys Close, Chinnor, was set to stand trial for one count of possessing a weapon designed to discharge an electrical current and another of possessing an offensive weapon, but later admitted both charges.

Oxford Crown Court heard at his sentencing on Wednesday how police first spotted the 20-year old on the night of June 18 last year at Southern Road, Thame.

Officers searched a Vauxhall Corsa parked nearby and found the weapon – a Kelin K95 stun gun disguised as a mobile phone, hidden in the boot.

The court heard that it had been sealed inside a pair of gloves next to the spare tyre.

Police also seized another offensive weapon – a stick – from inside the car.

In mitigation at the sentencing, defence barrister Peter Du Feu said that the stun gun was broken and irreparable.

He said: “He should not have had it, he knew what it was and he doesn’t say he didn’t know what it was.”

He added that he had since made positive steps in his life including securing employment.

Sentencing, Judge Peter Ross said: “I am minded to accept that you knew it didn’t work because I can’t believe that a young man like you would not have at least tested it.

“I don’t believe for one moment that you appreciated the consequences of possessing a weapon such as this.

“I am going to have to impose a sentence of custody but I am going to make it clear it will be suspended.”

Johnson was given 18 months in prison for having the stun gun and three months for having the stick, both sentences to be suspended for two years.

He was also made subject to a community order to include 180 hours of unpaid work and a three-month overnight curfew and must pay costs of £1,200.