Telford man convicted after police found imitation firearm in car
A 21-year-old man has been convicted of being in possession of an imitation firearm when police stopped a car in the early hours.
Joseph Harvey, who was the front seat passenger, also had a plastic face mask, in the car in October last year.
A jury at Shrewsbury Crown Court yesterday found Harvey guilty of having the imitation handgun in a public place without reasonable excuse, following a two day trial.
Harvey, of Harvey Crescent, Arleston, Telford, and formerly of Castlecroft, Stirchley, had denied the charge.
Judge Robin Onions adjourned sentence until next month for reports.
The court heard that the weapon, a replica Beretta handgun, was discovered inside an ASDA carrier bag in the foot-well of the Skoda car at 1am on October 15 last year.
Mr Philip Beardwell, prosecuting, said the black metal gas-operated gun fired ball bearings and the magazine was loaded with seven ball bearings. The plastic face mask was also recovered from the car.
Harvey told the court that he had purchased the replica gun from a friend in Arleston for £50 to use it for target practice in his garden. He said he was being given a lift home when the car was stopped.
He said the mask belonged to his brother was to be used by another friend at a fancy dress event the following day to celebrate the Muslim Eid-al-Adha festival.
On the directions of the judge the jury had earlier found Harvey not guilty of possession of a firearm and ammunition.
It followed evidence from a firearms expert who said the handgun was a "good visual replica" but was not a lethal weapon needing a firearms certificate.
