Derry man receives conditional discharge for possessing prohibited weapons

A man who reported himself to police has been given a conditional discharge at Derry Magistrate's Court for possessing prohibited weapons.

Ernest Lester Edward Cargill (68) of Harberton Park in Derry admitted five charges of possessing prohibited weapons on dates between March and July last year.

Cargill admitted possessing two stun guns on June 30 and July 1, possessing a noxious spray on three occasions. 

Defence counsel Fergal McCormack told the court that the defendant had actually reported himself to police when he realised that these items were illegal. 

He said that there was nothing sinister in Cargill having these items as he just had 'a peculiar fascination with these gadgets.'

Cargill was given a Conditional Discharge for a period of two years.