A Braintree pub doorman hid an illegal stun gun for a friend who was taken to hospital but was later found dead in a ditch, a court heard.

George Abbott, 30, of High Street, Braintree, admitted possessing a prohibited weapon when he appeared at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday. He received a two year conditional discharge and must pay £125 court costs.

Peter Fenn, prosecuting, said police found the gun hidden behind a small staircase in Abbott's bedroom on January 14 this year.

Depending on the strength and extent of application the gun was capable of inflicting anything from mild discomfort to incapacitation.

Abbott was arrested on January 22. He said his friend Sean Scott had been taken to hospital by ambulance on December 30 when found unwell outside his flat.

He found the gun outside his flat the following day and hid it under the stairs intending to return it to his friend. Abott did not know that his friend had discharged himself from hospital and police were looking for him.

He was found dead in a ditch where the A120 by-pass was being built. Abbott said he had hidden the gun so his friend did not get into trouble and to keep it away from his own children when they visited because it was potentially dangerous.

Abbott had a record for offences involving drugs and dishonesty.

James Hodivala, mitigating, said Abbott's licence to be a doorman had been revoked but he was still working as an electrician. He had become a reformed character after serving a prison sentence.

Recorder John Caudle told Abbott, "I think you realise now just how stupid you have been. You could easily have been given a prison sentence today for just doing a favour for a friend. Obviously there was some problem with him and he is now deceased."

Published Monday, June 16, 2003

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