Customs officials flashed a warning to tourists today after they caught a man with a stun gun.

Stephen York bought a novelty Taser gun for £5 from a salesman in a bar while on holiday in Thailand.

He was stopped by Customs officers at Newcastle Airport as he returned home on December 18 last year.

The guns, which fire two wires which emit an electric shock, are normally used by police to immobilise violent suspects.

Newcastle Magistrates' Court heard the one bought by York was smaller than the normal model and was even fitted with a torch. Magistrates were told that although police were sure it was a weapon, they had trouble classifying the stun gun.

After being called in five times by officers, York was eventually charged with purchasing a weapon for discharge of noxious liquid or gas. The 25-year-old, of Granville Drive, Forest Hall, North Tyneside, admitted the charge.

His solicitor, Michael Crowe, said the gun had not been bought for any sinister purpose and his client had been naive.

He explained: "He was on holiday in Thailand and was in a pub. There were all sorts of salesman coming round. General paraphernalia like T-shirts and key rings were sold, and he bought this."

Magistrates sentenced York to a community punishment order meaning he must complete 80 hours unpaid work in the next 12 months. He was also ordered to pay £35 in court costs.

With Newcastle Airport expecting to deal with an average of 20,000 passengers a day until the end of October, Customs officials are urging travellers to check what they can bring into the country before buying gifts.

As well as stun guns, the banned list includes pepper sprays, CS gas canisters, air-rifles, martial arts weapons and knives with a concealed blade or sharp point.

A Customs spokeswoman said: "HM Revenue & Customs is dedicated to protecting society from the threat of weapons by stopping illegal imports as they come into the country.

"Our officers are present at ports and airports across the country to ensure that people attempting to bring in prohibited items such as the Taser gun in this case are stopped.

"British law has always been very strict about who can own or move firearms, ammunition and explosives but this is even more evident now with the continual threat of terrorism. All firearms and explosives must be licensed and there is a total ban on offensive weapons such as knuckle-dusters and flick knives."

"We work closely with several public organisations and other law enforcement agencies, to ensure that only vetted, responsible people get hold of weapons or component parts."

Full details of the rules governing imports and allowances can be found online at