Air rifle was fired in fracas outside boozer

Passing motorists were shocked to see an air rifle being fired during a disturbance outside a Blantyre pub.

Police were called and armed officers rushed to the scene, Hamilton Sheriff Court heard this week.

However, Shaun Lannigan had left by the time they arrived.

The rifle and an imitation handgun that he was also carrying were not recovered.

Lannigan, 21, of Ailsa Tower, Cambuslang, admitted having an imitation firearm with intent to make people think violence would be used.

He also admitted culpably or recklessly discharging an air rifle towards patrons of the Stonefield Tavern in Glasgow Road.

Co-accused Nicolle Thompson, 27, of Keirs Walk, Cambuslang, admitted threatening or abusive behaviour outside the pub.

The incident happened shortly before 10pm on July 28, 2021.

Alice Carey, prosecuting, said Thompson was refused entry to the pub and began to kick the shutters.

The fiscal stated:“she was seen to be in possession of a crowbar.

“Patrons vacated the pub and a disturbance occurred.

“Lannigan also became involved. He then retrieved what appeared to be an imitation gun from a bag and concealed it in his waistband.

“One pub patron saw this and asked him if it was a replica. He then tried to grab the gun from Lannigan but was unsuccessful.

“Meanwhile, Thompson was involved in a fight with a female from the pub.

“A driver passing by saw Lannigan take aim with a rifle-style firearm and heard what she described as a puff of air.

“The rifle doesn’t appear to have been loaded when it was discharged and no cartridges were found.

“Another driver who had stopped at traffic lights saw Lannigan with the rifle.

“The police were contacted and armed response officers attended, but by this time there was no trace of either accused.”

Police officers viewed CCTV and Lannigan and Thompson were arrested at later dates.

Peter Malone, defending Lannigan, said the incident came at a time when he was drinking and taking drugs after the death of his brother.

The solicitor added:“shortly after this he obtained employment and things now seem to be going well for him.”

Sheriff Colin Dunipace deferred sentence on both accused until May.

He told them:“be under no illusion. The court takes these matters extremely seriously.”