A MAN who claimed he bought a stun gun as protection for his partner has been jailed for five years.

Christopher Doughdale was snared at his home in Saltcoats in December 2020.

Police seized the device which had been disguised as a torch.

It landed the 33 year-old in the dock at the High Court in Glasgow.

He was sentenced having previously admitted to possession of the stun gun.

Judge Douglas Brown was told how it was Doughdale's then partner who reported him to police.

But, it emerged he had actually purchased it for the woman online for a small amount.

Simon Gilbride, defending, said: "He maintains that his partner was, at that time, having to travel alone.

"He was concerned for her safety. He had bought it not to use, but to frighten away any would be attacker."

The defence advocate added the "intention here was well intended, but misguided".

Doughdale was now said to feel "terrible" about his actions and vowed not to repeat what he had done.

Judge Brown pointed out during the hearing that the stun gun was "not a glorified toy".