IT’S THE LAST CHANCE SALOON FOR BILLY THE KID
72-year-old says sorry for causing rammy after cops took his pistol away
A cowboy wannabe told how he surrendered his replica revolvers after sparking a gun panic.
Billy Holmes, 72, performs stage duels under the name Billy The Kid at western bar the Grand Ole Opry.
He was practising shooting when cops swooped on his home and confiscated his pistols.
Billy was rapped at Paisley Sheriff Court after he threatened to smash his neighbours’ windows after they called police.
He said: “My house has been searched twice and I have handed in three guns.
“I haven’t been eating since it all happened.
“I haven’t been back to the Opry since, I’ve been too embarrassed.
“I have been going for years, it’s a really good night. “I’m just really relieved it’s all over. “I just need to keep myself out of trouble now.”
Billy admitted bawling threats when he was hauled into the dock yesterday.
Prosecutor Martina McGuigan told how he kicked- off days after police descended.
She said: “The family are neighbours of the accused and their properties look onto each other.
“The accused returned home and appeared to be intoxicated.
“He was making his way upstairs towards his front door.
“He began shouting, ‘ I’m f***** g Billy Holmes – I don’t need a f*****g gun. I’ll fight anybody.’
“Witnesses recognised his voice and looked out their window. “The accused was standing directly outside. “He entered his home for a very short period before returning and continuing to shout aggressively.
“He shouted, ‘If I find out who phoned the police your f*****g windows are going in, the f*****g lot are going in.’”
Holmes had been celebrating his birthday when he began ranting in the road.
The court heard he was angry police had been called to his flat two days earlier and had taken the replica pistol.
Officers lifted him after they were forced to return to Paisley’s Netherhill Road when he sounded off around 6.30pm last November 22.
Defence lawyer David Nicholson claimed his client had been practicing his duelling when police were initially called.
He said: “He is an avid western and cowboy fan.
“Hi s favourite pastime is going to the Grand Ole Opr y . “At the end of the night, he takes part in gunslinging displays. “He goes by the stage name Billy The Kid. “Two days earlier, he had been practising with his stage prop. “It’s a glorified cap gun. “Police had been contacted and had taken it away. “He had consumed too much alcohol. “He returned home and was still upset.” Prosecutors accepted a not guilty plea to claims Holmes had allegedly repeatedly shot the fake firearm at a neighbour.
They demanded he surrender the pistol, but returned his gun belt.
Sheriff David Pender deferred sentence on Holmes for six months and warned him to behave.
He said: “By the time you get to your age, you should know how to drink well and wisely.”
Holmes has been ordered to return to court on October 9.
I just need to keep myself out of trouble Billy Holmes