A Irish national living near Tamworth has been found guilty of possessing a disguised firearm.

51-year-old Thomas Kavanagh was arrested at Birmingham Airport by officers from the National Crime Agency in January as part of a wider investigation into money laundering, drugs and firearms supply in the UK and Ireland. 

During a search of his home on Sutton Road, Mile Oak, a stun gun, disguised as a torch, was recovered. The weapon is illegal to own or possess in the UK.

Kavanagh was charged with offences under Section 5 of the Firearms Act.

On 11 July, following a two day trial at Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court he was found guilty. He was bailed pending sentencing on 2 September.

Peter Bellis, lead investigator for the NCA, said:

“These types of weapons are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury or death. This is why they are prohibited in the UK.

“Our wider investigation into money laundering, drugs and firearms supply continues.”