Man threatened suicide with imitation gun in Ludlow
A man carrying an imitation firearm at a sheltered accommodation block in Ludlow was threatening to kill himself, a court heard.
Stefan Jones, 21, was carrying a knife and the imitation firearm when police arrived at Ludlow Foyer on March 12, Shrewsbury Crown Court was told.
Jones, who lives at the sheltered accommodation in Ludlow, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence and having an offensive weapon at an earlier hearing.
Mr Kevin Jones, prosecuting, said a security officer responded to concerns about the defendant who said he felt suicidal.
The court heard Jones was carrying a knife, an axe, a BB pistol loaded with plastic pellets and the imitation firearm.
Judge Jim Tindal said
the security guard had handled the situation "magnificently".
He added: "The thought crossed my mind about whether it was in the public interest to prosecute him at all but I understand why that was done and I am not concerned by that.
"But we are light years away from the sort of case that usually involves firearms."
Mr Peter Gilmour, for Jones, said his client had been involved in a number of courses and voluntary sessions.
Judge Tindal said: "The only person you were threatening was yourself. You were in a desperate state."
Jones was handed a 12-month community order and a rehabilitation activity requirement for 20 days. He will also have to pay back £200.
