[A] MAN who brandished and fired an air pistol in a Carlisle street – prompting armed police to respond – has been sent to prison.
Adrian Skowron, 27, was said to have “lost control” after his stepfather was assaulted outside a shop in the city’s Denton Holme area.
When Skowron was then punched and knocked to the ground, an air pistol fell from his pocket. He pointed it towards youths in the street, before discharging it skywards several times.
Armed police and dog handlers were deployed to the scene, on the night of December 3 last year, and an area was cordoned off.
Carlisle Crown Court heard one “terrified” resident had dialled 999 believing Skowron, of East Dale Street in the city, had a real gun.
He was sentenced to eight months today (TUES) having admitted possessing an imitation firearm – a BB gun – with intent to cause fear of violence.
Judge Peter Davies heard “significant mitigation” on behalf of Skowron. But, jailing him for eight months, Judge Davies said: “I cannot suspend the sentence for brandishing and discharging a firearm in public like you did.”
