Armed police stop ‘shooters’

TARGET PRACTICE IN WOODS LEADS TO COURT FINES

Two bungling target shooters sparked an armed response when they were seen carrying air rifles.

Kyle Bennett, 21, and 37-year-old Lee Widdrington had hoped to practice on Tunstall Hills, but concerned members of the public reported them to police on October 29, last year, South Tyneside magistrates heard.

However, before they were even spotted, the pair realised they had forgotten their ammunition, the court was told.

Prosecutor Paul Anderson said police stopped the pair on Toll Bar Road. Both men had an unloaded 177 BSE air rifle.

He told the court: “Mr Widdrington said ‘me and Kyle went to the forest to shoot some targets. On the way back, police armed response turned up’.

“He said he didn’t know who owned the land, but said he thought it was public land.

“He was asked if he had a lawful reason for carrying and air weapon in a public place and he said no.

“He was asked whether he agreed to relinquish the air weapon to police and he said; ‘no, it’s on finance, I owe money on it’.”

Bennett, of Windermere Avenue, Easington Lane, and Widdrington, of Heworth Avenue, Ryhope, both admitted carrying unloaded air weapons in a public place. They were not represented by solicitors in court.

They were each fined £150 and were told to pay a surcharge of £30 and costs of £85.