A MAN who was caught with banned weapons in his west Belfast home has avoided jail after his sentence was suspended.
Desmond Paul Murtagh was handed an 18-month sentence at Belfast Crown Court for possessing a variety of weapons including an air rifle and stun guns.
Described as a "collector" of such items rather than a man who planned to use the weapons for sinister purposes, Murtagh's sentence was suspended for two years by Judge Stephen Fowler QC.
Police searched Murtagh's Ramoan Drive home in Andersonstown in November 2015 and again in February 2017.
During the first search, items seized included pepper spray, a stun gun, air rifle and a cartridge.
Murtagh was not arrested, but when police carried out a second search in February 2017, the 60-year old was found to be in possession of another stun gun.
Following his arrest, Murtagh gave a 'no comment' interview.
Despite this, he later pleaded guilty to six charges arising from the two searches including possessing prohibited weapons and possessing a firearm without a certificate.
A Crown barrister told Judge Fowler that some items seized during the searches had been displayed on the wall of Murtagh's home.
The barrister added that whilst there was no evidence to suggest Murtagh used or had plans to use any of the items, there were concerns they could have "fallen into the wrong hands."
Defence barrister Jonpaul Shields said Murtagh was a collector of such items, and spoke of his client's "ignorance" surrounding the legality of owning items such as the stun guns.
Pointing out Murtagh made no effort to conceal the weapons - some of which were clearly on display in his flat - Judge Fowler said that with a degree of scepticism it appeared Murtagh was "collecting rather than using them."
