Patient pulled gun from his trousers while visiting his GP
A MAN pulled a handgun from the waistband of his trousers during a consultation with his local GP in Bridgend, a court heard.
Scott Samson, 26, was sentenced at Cardiff Crown Court after he pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm.
Defence barrister Richard Ace read from a psychiatric report that concluded the offence was “a cry for help”.
The court heard the incident occurred at Woodlands Surgery in Caerau on Wednesday, September 21.
Prosecutor Julian Greenwood said the defendant asked at reception if he could see a doctor, stating he had harmed himself.
Mr Greenwood said: “While in the consulting room he said he was experiencing feelings of paranoia and thoughts of self-harming.
“He was reported to have been in a highly agitated state and indicat- ed he was in possession of a gun for protection.”
The court heard a doctor asked to see the weapon and Samson pulled a black-handled, silver imitation handgun from the waistband of his trousers.
Mr Greenwood said he held it in his hand for several seconds and stressed he did not “brandish” it or threaten the doctors.
When Samson left the surgery, police were called and later arrested him at his home in Hermon Road in Caerau.
Firearms officers attended and searched his address where they recovered the imitation firearm, as well as a black handgun, in a garage at the rear of the property.
When the defendant was cautioned, he replied: “They asked to see the gun.”
The court heard he was taken into custody where he made “full and frank admissions” before being assessed by the mental health team.
Samson told police he carried the pistol for his own protection and wanted the doctors to see he really needed their help with his anxiety and depression.
Mr Greenwood said: “He apologised profusely for his actions and said he simply wanted them to see he was at the end of his tether.”
Mr Ace said his client had experienced “difficulties” throughout his life.
Samson was given a 12-month community order requiring him to com- plete 25 days of a rehabilitation activity.
Judge Christopher Vosper QC made an order for the imitation firearm to be destroyed.
He told the defendant: “This order is designed to help you and, through helping you, the community in which you live.”