Rugby Man Jailed for Brandishing Fake Gun in Town Centre Brawl
Karmarni Bailey, 22, from Clough Close, Rugby, has been locked up for two years after terrifying a crowd with a handgun—only it turned out to be a fake.
Gun Pulled During Market Place Fight
The drama unfolded around 2pm on 17 November 2021 in Rugby’s Market Place. Bailey got into a fight and suddenly whipped out a black handgun from his rucksack. He aimed it at both those involved and bystanders trying to break up the scuffle.
Imitation Firearm Sparks Serious Fear
Police soon arrived, found everyone involved, and confiscated the weapon. It was later confirmed to be a replica, but the threat felt very real at the time. Bailey pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, as well as affray.
Police Praise Community and Issue Warning
“Karmarni’s actions last November were understandably traumatic to those involved. Despite the fact it was an imitation firearm, this would not have been obvious without close examination and for all intents and purposes, this appeared to be a real threat,” said Det Con Rebecca Naughton from Rugby Proactive CID.
“I want to thank the witnesses for their help and the Rugby Town Rangers, who went above and beyond before the police arrived. Weapons or imitation weapons won’t be tolerated in our communities. This sentence should reassure the public that we take these offences seriously.”
Bailey was sentenced to 24 months behind bars. The message is clear: brandishing guns, fake or not, is a serious crime in Rugby.
