A MAN has admitted having a stun gun while carrying out contracting work at HM Naval Base in Faslane.

Martyn Galloway, 36, pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court last week to having the prohibited electric weapon more than a year ago.

Fiscal depute Sarah Healing explained that Galloway was employed as a subcontractor within Faslane and, like all firms working on site, was subject to conditions including random searches.

Around 4pm on June 29, 2016 a search started of personnel and vehicles on the exit road from the base.

At about 4.50pm, the vehicle driven by Galloway was stopped and search and in the rear of the van they found a tool box with a stun gun inside.

Ms Healing said: "When that was recovered, he was reminded he was under caution and they asked why he had the article.

"He believed it to be a stun gun and bought it on the internet and brought it on to the base with him."

The weapon was found to be a type 800 stun gun and is a prohibited weapon. It was not disguised as something else, confirmed Ms Healing.

Galloway, of Craigie View, Tarbolton, Ayrshire, has no previous convictions, and Sheriff Maxwell Hendry said reports would need to be prepared to tell him more about the man's background.

He said: "This is a very serious matter and you move from being with no convictions whatsoever to someone with a very serious criminal record.

"Every sentencing option will have to remain open."

The case was adjourned until August 9.

* A HELENSBURGH man has admitted stealing two bottles of vodka three days after he was released on bail.

William Cooper, 32, of West Princes Street, pleaded guilty at Dumbarton Sheriff Court on July 19 to committing the theft on March 23 at the Aldi supermarket in Bank Street, Alexandria.

Sentence was deferred until July 28.