Man jailed for ‘gun’ threats
A MAN who threatened two people with an imitation shotgun while they were waiting for their food in a cafe has been locked up.
Jahkiel Samuels entered the cafe in Beech Avenue, New Basford, took the gun out of a rucksack and pointed the cocked firearm towards the two men.
One of them managed to force Samuels out of the cafe and held the door shut to stop him getting back in before he left the scene.
But Samuels, 35, quickly returned to the cafe. This time he had the gun concealed but was armed with a lock knife.
One of the men managed to shut the cafe door but Samuels was seen making a stabbing gesture towards him before he left.
No-one was injured during the incident, which happened at around midday on September 2.
Nottinghamshire
Police, working with Greater Manchester Police, carried out searches and Samuels was arrested in Manchester at around 6.20pm the same day.
Samuels, of HMP Nottingham, went on to plead guilty to charges of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and threatening a person with an offensive weapon in a public place.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court for sentencing on Friday, he was jailed for three years and four months.
Investigating officer Detective Sergeant Simon Carter, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This would have been a terrifying incident for everyone who was in the cafe at the time. They wouldn’t have known that the firearm wasn’t real or what Samuels’ intentions were.
“Brandishing any kind of firearm in a public place is an incredibly serious offence and will always be met with a swift and robust response.
“This was excellent teamwork not only within our own force but also with another force to move quickly to arrest Samuels, who now faces a considerable amount of time in prison to reflect on his actions.
“I hope this sentence reassures the public that Nottinghamshire Police takes firearms offences extremely seriously and we will swiftly act on intelligence to ensure Nottinghamshire remains safe.
“If you suspect anyone of being in possession of a firearm, please report it to Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”