Pensioner Glyn Minor terrified his neighbours by pointing an air pistol at them in a long-running dispute. The 77-year-old was embroiled in a row with his neighbours over a piece of land adjoining their properties.
Stoke-on-Trent Crown Court heard the parties argued on September 14, 2023 after asbestos had been dumped. During the argument Minor experienced chest pains. An ambulance arrived at his Audley home and he was told by paramedics to go into his house and lock the door.
But he ignored the advice and had an acrimonious exchange with his neighbour who he pushed to the floor. The man called 999 and Minor was again told to go inside.
However, he returned to his house and armed himself with an air pistol. Prosecutor Robert Holt said: “He pointed it towards his neighbour. The man was in fear for his life and his son’s life.”
The court heard the victim and his son went into their home. Minor went to the ambulance and a brave paramedic grabbed the weapon and removed the cartridge. Minor asked for it back but the paramedic refused to give it to him.
Police arrived and the black Smith and Wesson firearm was recovered. Eight chambers contained pellets.
The neighbour was disgusted by Minor’s actions. His adult son was shocked and scared and he has been left feeling uneasy and insecure.
Minor, of Nantwich Road, Audley, pleaded guilty to two charges of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Catherine O’Reilly, mitigating, said Minor has no previous convictions. She said: “There is a protracted and heated debate about the boundary of the properties going through the civil courts. It will have to be sorted. There is no excuse for the defendant’s behaviour.
“He is deeply ashamed and embarrassed. He takes full responsibility for his actions. He has expressed remorse for his actions.”
Recorder Robert Smith sentenced Minor to 19 months in prison, suspended for 12 months. He was also made the subject of a five-year restraining order which prohibits him from contacting his two victims, except via his solicitors regarding the civil dispute.
Recorder Smith told Minor: “You and your neighbours had an argument over the dumping of potentially hazardous material. During the argument you experienced chest pains.
“You pushed your neighbour to the floor. You went back to your house, where you should have remained, if you had not taken leave of your senses. You came outside armed with a black revolver Smith and Wesson 586. It looks like a real gun. You held it in your right hand and pointed it directly at your neighbour. He was scared for his life. His immediate reaction was one of abject terror. He was looking down the barrel of a very real looking gun. The paramedics took the firearm off you. You were arrested by armed police officers, at great expense to the public.
“I will treat this as a one-off, a complete aberration of your character. The way you behaved was entirely disproportionate, dangerous and stupid. You were as stubborn as a mule in refusing to heed the warnings and advice of the paramedics. You knew full well what you were doing.”
Minor was ordered to pay £250 compensation to his neighbour and £500 costs. The judge ordered the deprivation of the air pistol.
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