Morecambe man held taser to ex girlfriend outside club

Police found a taser in Joshua Walker's home eight weeks later following his arrest for unrelated offences.

The details emerged as the 22-year-old, of Park Street, Morecambe, was sentenced at Preston Crown Court for a string of offences.

Prosecuting, Nick Cockrell said on April 11, 2019, Walker and a group of men had been involved in an attack on a man who was left unconscious in an alleyway in Morecambe.

Walker admitted threatening behaviour and admitted striking him once.

On November 16, 2019, Walker's ex girlfriend was out celebrating her 22nd birthday.

He said: " At 2am she went outside the bar for a cigarette and was approached by the defendant, who was her ex boyfriend. They had separated 12 months earlier.

"She was shocked to see him and possibly as a result of the reaction on her face he said: "You little rat."

"He went after her. He pulled out an object that looked like a small stick and put it against her hand, and it flashed brightly and made a zipping sound.

"She felt a shocking sensation."

The court heard bar staff witnessed part of the incident and when police arrived they found a taser in the road which looked like a torch.

Walker admits affray over the incident.

On January 22, 2020, police officers arrested Walker on his bike, close to his home, on unrelated matters.

They found a Taser in a box in his living room, which was found to have the potential to incapacitate someone.

He admits possessing a disguised firearm.

Fraser Livesey, defending, told the court Walker was expecting to go to jail but was concerned for his mother, who has bowel cancer, as his brother is also in prison.

He said: "He is still young. One sees he's had a very difficult upbringing."

Imposing a 12 month community order with a 45 day rehabilitation activity and tagged curfew, Judge Heather Lloyd said: " In essence the real reason for the delay in charging you and getting to court is that you denied these offences or made no comment when interviewed."

Referring to the first incident she said: "You went to his meeting with your co accused, knowing there was going to be trouble.

Turning to the affray involving his ex partner she added: "Whatever had occurred between you two in the 12 month previously, you decided to use a taser on her, having called her a rat and pursued her for a short distance. Fortunately she was not hurt, she was stung effectively.

"Your former partner did not immediately make a complaint because she was frightened."

"The police arrived at your home in January to find another prohibited weapon."

There can be no lawful reason for you to have a stun gun. You told the author of the pre sentence report that you like weapons, which to me is rather worrying.

"It is said in one report you have only ever known a life of crime and antisocial behaviour.

"You are 22. You have an enviable record for one so young."

"This really is your final opportunity to show you can lead a law abiding life."

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