duct tape the sparkplug wire about 3/16 of an inch from the cylinder head. try the spark test in a dark garage.

If there is no spark, inspect the ignition points if equipped. Remove the coil and wire brush the mounting surface. Try the spark test again.

Did you gap the plug? You got zapped because you were grounded. Was the plug contacting the head when you tried the spark test?

Thanks for the tips, the plug is definately grounded when testing, wrapped the lead in duct tape, cleaned the coil connections, I'm not sure what the gap should be so I've given it a small gap, I can just see through it. I'm 100% sure there is a spark to the plug connection on the lead but it's not getting to the plug! tried different plugs (even the one from my other working mower) still no spark when I test it, and still wont fire.

Well, either spark is getting through and you have other issues. If this thing has set, you have a great potential for fuel system issues, even compression problems. If it seems as though you have compression, shoot a couple burst of carb spray into the carb venturi or cylinder and see if it wants to run. Scrape through to the metal to ground the plug if you still want to view the spark. There are several issues to cause poor ignition with points. Is that what you have? Model and type #s are helpful.