Thomas Kavanagh bailed after National Crime Agency airport arrest

SEARCH: Investigators arriving at Kavanagh's home

AN IRISH national charged with possessing an illegal stun gun disguised as a torch in his home has been released on bail by a judge following a secret hearing.

Thomas Kavanagh, 51, was arrested at Birmingham Airport on Saturday by the National Crime Agency (NCA), as part of an ongoing probe.

Kavanagh had returned from holidaying in Mexico with his wife and six children.

Following a search of his mansion in Sutton Road, Mile Oak, Tamworth, Staffordshire, with colleagues from An Garda Siochana and Staffordshire Police, he was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm.

Kavanagh, who has lived in the UK 15 years and runs a used car sales business, was granted unconditional bail by Judge Michael Chambers QC.

His case was adjourned until next month.

A 20-year-old man arrested alongside Kavanagh at Birmingham Airport has been released under investigation.

A third man, aged 19, was also arrested and later released under investigation.