A former footballer who was seen with a stun gun on a Dundee bus has been jailed for five years.
Terry Connell was convicted of being found with the firearm, disguised as a torch.
Dundee Sheriff Court heard how Connell had been seen on a bus with the weapon in his waistband and was found with it at the homeless hostel where he had been staying.
Connell, who had spells playing for local teams including Downfield and Douglas Amateurs, also admitted attacking his friends and spitting at a police officer in separate incidents.
The 31-year-old was handed the statutory minimum five-year sentence, after a jury found him guilty of being in possession of the firearm on February 9 last year at Transform, Soapwork Lane and on Victoria Road.
No circumstances to avoid prison
Sheriff Alastair Carmichael dismissed submissions from Connell’s solicitor that the five-year sentence could be avoided.
Connell’s solicitor Paul Parker-Smith previously argued he could be spared the minimum jail term because the weapon was not lethal and due to the fact he had never spent time in custody.
Prior to jailing Connell, Sheriff Carmichael said: “As Mr (Paul) Parker-Smith has said, there is a minimum sentence in this case which you are aware of.
“I have already listened to arguments that there may have been exceptional circumstances here but I have decided that there were not.”
The case is the latest on Tayside involving such weapons, which are listed for sale on numerous websites.
Attacked friends
The court was previously told how Connell had attacked two of his friends after he went to a house in Douglas Road looking for someone in the early hours of March 26 last year.
Connell struck Andrew Harvey on the hand before repeatedly striking Bridget Divin on the head and body.
Both suffered minor injuries.
Two days later, Connell was seen walking on Alloway Terrace by his friend Andrew Adamson.
An argument ensued after drunk Connell refused an offer to walk home together.
Fiscal depute Marie Irvine said: “The accused walked up and instantly began to strike the complainer to the head.
“After receiving multiple blows, he fell to the ground and the accused repeatedly punched him.
“A neighbour contacted the police and continued to watch the accused and the complainer.”
Mr Adamson was treated for a 1cm cut to his hairline, which was glued.
He had had his bank card and mobile phone stolen by Connell.
Police assault
At 9am on the same date, police received a call that Connell was at the Cyrenians hostel on Brewery Lane.
He was arrested and refused to drop items from his clenched fist.
Connell was restrained and spat in the direction of a police officer.
He pled guilty to assaulting Mr Harvey, Ms Divin and Mr Adamson.
