Man changes plea and admits possession of stun gun and drugs

A Co Antrim man has pleaded guilty to possessing a mobile phone stun gun. Stephen Tumilty (35), Craigs Road, Carrickfergus, was due to stand trial next week for having the prohibited weapon and 15 drugs offences.

He pleaded not guilty last month at an arraignment hearing to possessing the stun gun in contravention of the Firearms Order. Tumilty also denied possessing cocaine, cannabis and herbal cannabis with intent to supply.

However, at Belfast Crown Court yesterday, Greg Berry QC, defending, asked that Tumilty be rearraigned on eight charges he faced.

Tumilty pleaded guilty to unlawful possession of the stun gun, possessing cocaine and possessing herbal cannabis with intent to supply.

He also pleaded guilty to possessing diazepam tablets, anabolic steroids and the ecstasy tablet substitute TFMPP with intent to supply, on April 9th, 2013.

Belfast recorder Judge David McFarland ordered a pre-sentence report and released Tumilty on continuing bail until he is sentenced next month.