A lorry driver is facing a possible jail term after being caught carrying a stun gun.

A lorry driver is facing a possible jail term after being caught carrying a stun gun.

Anthony McCrindle, 44, who delivers goods across Europe, began to carry the non-lethal weapon after being targeted by criminals at night.

McCrindle, of Sandport Way, Leith, who has been driving heavy-goods vehicles for 20 years, was caught with the battery-powered device - classed as a firearm - in East Lothian.

At Edinburgh Sheriff Court yesterday, he admitted possessing a firearm without the appropriate certificate.

The court was told that self-employed McCrindle had picked up a car in Switzerland and driven home but pulled over to sleep, at Fisherrow Harbour, Musselburgh, last February. Police approached his vehicle and asked if he had anything illegal. He admitted he had a stun gun and was arrested.

McCrindle told officers he had bought the weapon in Switzerland after "incidents" involving himself and colleagues.

Solicitor Alexander Lafferty, defending, said it was "common" for lorry drivers on the continent to carry stun guns and was not illegal in France, Germany, Holland, Switzerland or Italy, where McCrindle mostly worked. He had never had to use the weapon, said the lawyer, adding that "he has been in danger in the past".

McCrindle, who has a previous conviction after being caught with a stun gun two years ago in Kilmarnock, will be sentenced next month after background reports.

Sheriff Scott warned him all sentencing options remained open but allowed him to remain on bail.