An Appleby man who admits possessing an imitation firearm intending that another male would fear the use of violence is due to be punished next month.
Joe William Forrester, 24, faced one charge at Carlisle Crown Court earlier today.
During a short hearing in front of a judge, Forrester pleaded guilty to possessing the imitation firearm with intent to cause a man aged in his 20s to believe that violence would be used against him.
This offence was committed during an incident which is said to have occurred in a car park just off Chapel Street in Appleby on June 24 last year.
Recorder Philip Grundy adjourned the case for the preparation of a probation service pre-sentence report, after being told the defendant had no previous convictions.
Recorder Grundy also noted two references had been provided, and hoped the background information would provide a “window of insight as to other potential alternatives there could be” to immediate prison.
Forrester, of Glebe Road, Appleby, is due to be sentenced at the crown court on March 15, and in the meantime was granted bail.
“It is important that you co-operate with the probation service. This is a serious offence,” the judge told him at the end of the hearing.
“The starting point is a custodial sentence.
“You need to provide as much information to the probation officer so the sentencing judge can consider whether it is possible to pull back from imposing an immediate custodial sentence, whilst still punishing you for that offence.”
