BB gun thug confronted kids bouncing ball on house
A MAN who was angry at kids bouncing a ball against the side of his house confronted them with a BB gun.
Andrew Gibson, 36, pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court heard how on August 21, Gibson brandished the gun while attempting to stop children from bouncing a ball repeatedly against the side of his house in Great Howarth, Rochdale.
Prosecuting, Duncan Wilcock described how Gibson attempted to get the children to stop being noisy on three separate occasions.
A 13-year-old girl then started bouncing a ball repeatedly against his house.
The court heard he then took a BB gun outside with him and put it in his pocket, where it was visible, before confronting her and punching the ball out of her hands.
The mother of one of the children reported his actions to the police.
Defending, Betsy Hindle said: “The defendant was arrested and interviewed. He admitted having the gun but said he did not have an intention to cause fear to anyone. He said he knew it did not work.”
To this, Judge Maurice Greene said: “Yes, but they didn’t.”
Ms Hindle said Gibson was remorseful for his actions.
The judge said: “You had been out three times to try and make them stop.
“A 13-year-old girl then came back and was continuously throwing a ball against your wall.
“I understand you may have snapped at that point but what you did then was completely stupid. You went outside your house brandishing a BB gun.
“It was clearly visible and visible to the children. You went towards them and punched the ball out of the 13-year-old girl’s hand.
“You walked after them and then you talked to their mother. You were clearly very angry but you don’t walk around and go near children with a gun.”
The court heard how Gibson was in breach of a sexual harm prevention order by being near children.
Judge Greene said: “It was a technical breach. You did not approach children to breach the order.
“You were angry at the time and wanted them to stop throwing a ball at your house. You acted in frustration.
“It was very distressing for this young girl. She did not deserve to be faced with a much larger man with an imitation gun going towards her.
“It is clear you took it out for a purpose so it could be seen.”
The court heard how Gibson had been remanded in custody at Forest Bank Prison since the incident and Judge Greene said he was aware it was proving very difficult for him.
He said: “There is possibility of rehabilitation and you are not a significant risk.” He sentenced Gibson to six months in prison, suspended for 18 months, 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement days and 26 sessions of a Resolve Programme.