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Massage parlour stun gun man jailed
A BUSINESSMAN who pulled out a stun gun during a "terrifying" row in a Blackpool massage parlour has been jailed.
The weapon was "crackling with electricity" during the incident with the manager of the Candy Club.
Garry Trask, 49, had earlier pleaded guilty to charges of affray and carrying a prohibited device following the incident last November.
He was also appearing for sentencing for an actual bodily harm assault on his then girlfriend, who had her fingers bent backwards.
Police today welcomed the news Trask had been put behind bars.
Det Sgt Chris Williams, of Blackpool CID, said: "This was a terrifying experience for all involved and left those in the premises concerned for their own safety.
"Trask is a very dangerous man and the results of his actions could have been much worse.
"We're happy that the courts have seen the seriousness of the incident and given him quite a lengthy custodial sentence."
Preston Crown Court heard how, on November 4, Trask went to the Candy Club, Caunce Street, on "business matters".
He became abusive and threatening once inside and the manager was called.
Andrew Long, prosecuting, said: "The manager came to see what was going on and the defendant started to rough him up. He was warned the police would be called."
Trask, of Marshdale Road, Marton, went on to tell workers: "I can have this place closed down just like that."
The court heard how one of the workers inside the premises was so terrified by what was going on that she fled to a nearby pub.
At the height of the fight, Trask produced the black stun gun which was armed and crackling with electricity.
The owner and another man arrived and managed to bundle him outside, locking the door behind him.
Mr Long added: "But things didn't quite end there."
Trask left the club and walked off but further along his route happened to walk past another woman from the massage parlour and threatened her.
She fled and hid at the premises of a local taxi firm. Trask returned to the club door and shouted more threats.
Andrew Alty, defending, said the defendant's partner owned another massage parlour and Trask had gone to the club that evening about "business matters" and not as a customer.
He added that the stun gun had been taken from a man involved in a fight. It ended up in the defendant's pocket, but taking it to the club was not premeditated.
He said there had never been any intention to use it or threaten anyone.
Mr Alty added: "He had been to one or two pubs and suspects his drinks may have been spiked in one pub. He has very little recollection of what happened after that.
"He accepts producing the Taser, but he did not use it."
Judge Pamela Badley added: "I accept you didn't intend to use the stun gun. Nevertheless, it caused anxiety and a great deal of concern. Your victims would have been frightened for their safety."
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Weather for Blackpool
Monday 13 February 2012
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Temperature: 4 C to 8 C
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