Probation for repeat of gun stunt

A TOY handgun has landed a Gold Coast man in hot water for the second time in less than three years.

Joshua Matthew Laredo pulled a toy handgun from his pocket, pointing it at cars on High St, Southport about 9pm on December 29, 2015, the Southport Magistrates Court heard yesterday. Laredo was sentenced to jail time in 2013 for pulling the same stunt on Frank St, Labrador.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Nick Wang said the people in the car the gun was pointed at “panicked” as the gun looked realistic.

The police.

“A toy gun the defendant driver then called has used to point at the oncoming vehicle was found on him after a police search,” Sgt Wang said.

Defence lawyer Sam Jackson, of Bamberry Lawyers, said Laredo, 30, suffered from schizophrenia and at the time was off his medication and homeless.

He said since in incident Laredo has spent almost two years in the mental health ward seeking treatment.

“That long-term treatment seems to have had an immense benefit for my client,” Mr Jackson said.

He said his client was now back on his medication and no longer taking illegal drugs.

Magistrate Andrew Sinclair sentenced Laredo to three years’ probation.