(Image: Durham Constabulary)
A cowboy-hat-wearing man caused a County Durham street to be evacuated when he pulled a fake gun on police, telling officers, "come any closer and see what happens.”
Residents in West Street, Chester-le-Street were forced to leave their homes during Jack Mackay's late-night standoff with armed officers while high on drink and drugs.
When he eventually gave up his "gun" and Mackay was arrested he said: “It was funny, though”, adding that he hoped the officers involved, “had a good laugh”.
Elisha Marsay, prosecuting, told Durham Crown Court that police receieved a call at around 10.45pm on September 29, last year, saying a man was waving a knife around in the street.
When officers arrived, they found Mackay, 29, wearing a cowboy hat, a suit and tie but no shirt, and had set fire to bins, which led to firefighters being called.
Mackay went into a house but appeared at the kitchen window shouting at police, claiming to have a gun, which he brandished.
The officers retreated for cover behind parked vehicles as Mackay opened a window and seemed to take aim in their direction.
He told an officer: “Come any closer and see what happens.”
Miss Marsay said neighbours were evacuated due to the, “serious and significant risk”.
Specialist firearms officers were summoned, and they managed to persuade him to give up his firearm, which was discovered to be a fake.
Despite commenting that it had been “funny” he repeatedly lashed out in the police van and on arrival at a police station, so had to be taken straight into a holding cell.
Two knives were recovered from the house where Mackay retreated.
The 29-year-old, of Front Street, Stanley, admitted possessing an imitation firearm, a BB gun, with intent to cause fear unlawful violence would be used, at a plea hearing in May whe
Brian Mark, for Mackay, said the Probation Service reports and a psychiatric assessment indicated the defendant, who is “relatively lightly convicted”, needs assistance for his adhd and overcoming his drink and drug issues.
But Mr Mark said the defendant has managed to keep off both and hopes, “this is the wake-up call” he needs.
He added that the defendant wished to apologise for the fear he caused that night.
Judge Richard Bennett said: “Although the firearm turned out to be a realistic-looking imitation, your behaviour caused considerable anxiety.”
The judge said although the defendant’s conduct appeared intended to cause maximum distress, he was sure it was not intended to cause genuine injury, although those present would not have known that.
“You accept behaving in a totally irresponsible, reckless and dangerous manner," Judge Bennett said.
“I’m told you have little recollection due to the alcohol and cocaine you had taken.”
The judge said it was the defendant’s third serious disorder offence caused by his excessive binge drinking and drug consumption.
But he said he had read the defendant’s letter of apology reflecting his apparent “genuine remorse”.
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Imposing a 14-month term of imprisonment, Mackay's first custodial sentence, Judge Bennett said he hopes he lives up to references that show a realistic prospect of rehabilitation.
But he said that was not strong enough to persuade him to suspend the prison sentence.
He also ordered the deprivation of the imitation firearm and the knives recovered from the house.