Prosecutors are launching a bid to extend the jail term given to a crook who tried to import a potentially lethal weapon in the post.
Maitland Cuthill, 41, was handed a 16-month prison sentence at Dundee Sheriff Court in August after previously admitting three charges under the Firearms Act.
Cuthill, of Tarry Cottages, St Vigeans, Arbroath, admitted that between July 1 2015 and August 2 2015, at his home address, he purchased items which are banned under the Firearms Act, namely five CS spray canisters, and attempted to import them by mail service.
He also admitted purchasing an item which is banned under the Firearms Act, namely a stun gun, and attempted to import it by mail service, again at his home address, between July 1 2015 and August 7 2015.
Cuthill further admitted having an item which is prohibited under the Firearms Act, namely a stun gun disguised as a torch, at the same address between July 1 2015 and August 18 2015.
However, the Crown is now launching a court appeal against the sentence given to Cuthill.
The case will be heard at the criminal appeal court in Edinburgh next week.
The case centres around claims that Cuthill should have been given a longer term behind bars.
A spokesman for the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service declined to comment on the case.
Depute fiscal Vicki Bell previously told the court: “On August 9 2015 Border Force officers intercepted a parcel addressed to the accused.
“The label said it contained supplies, but it in fact contained five CS sprays labelled ‘Bodyguard PS007’.
“A further package was intercepted that said it contained a torch, but it contained a stun gun contained in a torch.
“On August 17, police were granted a search warrant for his home address.
“He was found lying in bed.
“In his bedroom police found and seized a stun gun that was disguised as a baton. His laptop and computer were seized and analysed and search terms such as ‘tear gas’, ‘pepper spray’, ‘stun guns’ and ‘Tasers’ were found.
“When interviewed, he said he had used his mother’s credit card to buy the items.”
Defence solicitor Nick Whelan told the court at the time: “Given the nature of his previous convictions, the court will be considering a custodial sentence.
“There has been a gap in his offending.”
Cuthill previously served a five-year prison term for crimes including assault, abduction and robbery.
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