A FATHER-of-three was jailed for 18 months today for ordering 10 illegal stun guns from China.

James Jefferson, 37, of Cecil Street, Glasgow, admitted purchasing the items which arrived in the UK in February 2013.

The High Court in Glasgow heard that the items were x-rayed by UK Border Force at the Parcelforce International Hub in Coventry.

The items were addressed to Jefferson's partner at their then address in Kingsway Court, Scotstoun, Glasgow.

Advocate depute Neil Beardmore, prosecuting, said: “The package was inspected and found to contain 10 stun guns, which looked like Nokia mobile phones.

“They are designed as self-defence weapons. They are not lethal, but deliver a high voltage pulse, sufficient to cause temporary incapacity. They were in working order.”

The court heard that initially Jefferson denied ordering the items, but subsequently admitted his guilt.

Computers and paperwork, which were seized during a search of Jefferson's home, confirmed that he was using a Chinese website.

Judge Lord Bannatyne told Jefferson that, but, if he had been convicted after trial he would have jailed him for 21 months.