Man Jailed for Brandishing Fake Gun and Knife in Scare on Brick Lane
A 47-year-old man has been locked up for two years after waving an imitation handgun and threatening terrified members of the public in Enfield.
Armed Police Caught Him Red-Handed
Jason Higlett pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm and a lock knife at Highbury Corner Magistrates Court on 21 March. He was sentenced at Wood 1 Crown Court on 15 April to 24 months for the fake gun and 12 months for the knife, running concurrently.
Police were alerted on 19 March when members of the public reported a man brandishing a handgun on Brick Lane. Specially trained firearms officers and a police dog unit were quickly deployed.
Witnesses told officers Higlett waved the gun at them and threatened one woman not to look at him, prompting her to run in terror. Another man fled fearing for his life.
Bizarre Alleyway Chase Ends With Taser Arrest
Officers spotted Higlett in a green puffa jacket and white cap, brandishing a black handgun. When ordered to show his hands, he ran down an alleyway while being verbally abusive and daring officers to shoot him.
With Higlett ignoring commands and putting officers at risk, a Taser was deployed to subdue him. On arrest, police found a lock knife. A passerby also reported seeing Higlett throw a firearm over a fence, and officers recovered a black self-loading pistol from the ground.
A search of Higlett’s home found a locked case matching the gun’s key, confirming ownership.
Criminal Record Full of Weapon Offences
Higlett’s rap sheet includes 15 convictions for 22 offences — including previous weapon charges and firearm possession from the 1990s and 2000s.
His Honour Judge Dodd condemned the defendant’s repeated offending and remarked on how frightening it was for the public to see a man openly brandishing weapons in the street.
“To be on our streets with a gun and knife is quite scary,” said the judge.
Police Praise Officers’ Quick Action
Detective Inspector Paul Ridley of North Area CID said:
“The events of that day left several members of the public terrified and believing their lives were in danger. Higlett knew full well the consequences of his actions.”
“The professionalism and expertise of the officers involved prevented this ending much worse. The public is safer with this dangerous man behind bars.”
You Could Save a Life
If you know someone carrying knives or guns, or involved in weapon crime, call police on 101 or 999. You can also tweet @metcc or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Your tipoff could save lives.
