A man bought a stun gun disguised as a torch over the internet so he could enjoy some horseplay with friends.

But Grant Mahony has paid the price for his fun after being sent to prison for 10 months - having been reported to the police by an ex-girlfriend he assaulted.

The 24 year old from Cross Road in Walmer, Deal, could have faced a minimum of five years for importing the illegal weapon.

Under sentencing guidelines judges are urged to impose five years unless there are special circumstances.

But a judge ruled he would not impose the minimum sentence but said he had to go to prison.

Canterbury Crown Court heard his downfall began when he assaulted a lover – who reported to the police that Mahony had the firearm.

Prosecutor Antony Hook said that in January this year Mahony’s former girlfriend called police to the house they shared.

“The defendant has since been convicted of an assault on her. Police then made a search of the premises and found the disguised stun gun.

“The item was disguised as a torch. Police also recovered a collection of weapons: an asp, dagger and nun-chucks, a BB gun and imitation revolver.”

Mr Hook said that in August 2016 Border Force officers had intercepted a stun gun in the post addressed to Mahony which had been sent from abroad.

“That stun gun was seized and the defendant was sent a notice by Border Force, warning him that owning one was an offence.”

Phil Rowley, defending, said Mahony had ordered the illegal item but when it didn’t arrive, he ordered another.

That arrived after he received the Border Force warning.

He said he used it during horseplay with friends and had no intention of taking it out of his home.

Judge James O’Mahony told him he accepted he was remorseful and other than the common assault did not have a criminal record.