Man with fake gun ‘lucky not to be shot’ by armed police
A JUDGE told a man who armed himself with an imitation handgun he was “fortunate not to be shot” after he pointed it at armed police officers.
Amarjit Singh, 51, was driving erratically near his Cardiff home on November 7 last year and crashed into his own house three times.
He also told a neighbour he was going to “blow up his house” because he wanted to “be with his mother” who had recently died.
During his rampage Singh pointed his imitation gun at a man and attempted to drive into armed officers before he was Tasered.
A sentencing hearing at Cardiff Crown Court on Tuesday heard neighbours living in Ordell Street, Splott, became concerned about the defendant’s demeanour and after he made the explosion threat the area was evacuated.
Summarising the incident Judge Tracey Lloyd-Clarke said Singh was driving dangerously and almost collided with a pedestrian. People attempted to remove him from the car but he drove towards them and appeared to be holding a gun.
Neighbour Leo Horward came out of his house to see what was happening but the defendant pointed the gun at him and said: “Get back in the house”. Mr Howard complied and called the police.
When the police arrived they again attempted to remove Singh from the car but failing that they drew their weapons and ordered him to get out of the vehicle but he refused, drove forward, and collided with a stationary object.
He was then struck by an officer with a gun and Tasered.
Judge Lloyd-Clarke added: “You were fortunate not to be shot by officers as you were pointing what appeared to be a real handgun at them.
“They only realised afterwards it was an imitation.
“There’s no doubt in my mind the officers at the time of your offence had reason to believe you were in possession of a real firearm and were prepared to use it.”
When Singh’s home was searched officers discovered a container of flammable liquid in the microwave and there was a smell of petrol.
The defendant, now of Habershon Street, Splott, later pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and dangerous driving.
The court heard Singh had been remanded in custody for more than 12 months since the incident and spent a period of time being treated under the Mental Health Act.
It was said there had been “severe deterioration” in Singh’s mental health since the death of his mother but defence barrister Heath Edwards said the defendant now understood he needed support.
Judge Lloyd-Clarke sentenced Singh to 22 months’ imprisonment and disqualified him from driving for two years.
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