Torksey: Businessman is spared jail for possessing illegal weapons

Arthur Chamberlain , whose company carries out contract work at RAF and USAF bases across the country, was arrested three years ago after a package sent from Thailand to his home address was intercepted by customs officers and found to contain CS gas canisters and stun guns disguised as a torch.

Lincoln Crown Court was told that customs officers allowed the package to be delivered and it was accepted by a neighbour who signed for it on behalf of Chamberlain.

Arising out of the inquiry went on to raid Chamberlain’s then address in Newark Road, Lincoln.

Chamberlain admitted to officers that he had an antique Colt .455 revolver in his bedroom along with six bullets of the same calibre and also told them about a torch device which could be used as a taser on his bedroom cabinet.

In addition a flick knife, which he used for work, and CS spray were found inside his van.

Chamberlain, 48, currently living in a caravan at Torksey, admitted possession of ammunition without a certificate and possession of an offensive weapon in 2012.

He denied two charges of possession of a prohibited weapon but was convicted by a jury following a trial.

A further charges of being involved in illegally importing CS gas canisters and stun guns was left to lie on the file. He denied those matters.

He was given an 18 month jail sentence suspended for 12 months and ordered to pay £500 costs.

Michael Cranmer-Brown, defending, said “He was entirely straight with the police. He is extremely remorseful. He believed he had done nothing wrong. It was done entirely in ignorance of the law. He hasn’t slept comfortably for the last three years with this enormous weight hanging over him.”

Mr Cranmer-Brown said the initial package which sparked the inquiry was sent from Thailand. Chamberlain had been on holiday in the country and left his name and address with a friend whom he paid to send him a supply of cheap shirts. Later the package containing the weapons arrived at his home addressed to him but he knew nothing about them.