Police raid uncovers weapons arsenal hidden in West Bromwich garden shed

They found a stun gun, a suitcase full of knives, four air rifles, a crossbow – and a machete hanging over the back door of the address in Waterside Street, West Bromwich, Wolverhampton Crown Court was told.

Matthew Latham, a father of two young daughters who had a previous caution for possession of a knuckle duster, said when asked for an explanation after the December 29 discovery: "I've got them in case my family comes under threat."

But it was not against the law to have any of them except the stun gun which the defendant claimed to have had for years, explained Mr Howard Searle, prosecuting.

Police also unearthed a small cannabis farm at the property with 14 plants at different stages of growth. Latham, a former fence erected now unable to work and on benefits because of a shoulder injury, smoked the drug to help cope with pain, it was claimed.

Mr Searle continued: "He said he had no intention to supply others with the drug because he was a heavy user and it was all for his own use. We accept this explanation because the plants were at different stages of growth."

Mr Andrew Baker, defending, said: "He cooperated with the police from the outset and showed them the stun gun which they may not have found in different circumstances.

"He had developed this arsenal of weapons after becoming very concerned about the state of the country. He was also suffering from depression."

Latham, who had no previous convictions, admitted possession of a prohibited weapon and producing cannabis. He was given a nine month prison sentence suspended for a year.

Recorder Abigail Nixon told him: "According to your pre sentence report you said: 'Let the court think what they want. They are idiots.' You are the idiot."

He replied from the dock: "I said that in anger but do not really believe it. I know I broke the law and am prepared to accept the consequences. I have no intention of growing cannabis again."

The Recorder declared: "I am concerned by the arsenal of weapons hidden in the shed. I am not suggesting you were going to go out and use them but the police have treated you very well in allowing you to hold on to all those other than the prohibited weapon. They could have taken them all and made you prove a need for them."