Pub Panic in Folkestone: Man Points Fake Gun at Doormen
Tempers flared in a Folkestone pub when 51-year-old Andrew Maloney was ordered to leave, and he didn’t take the hint. Instead, he stormed back and pulled what looked like a gun on a doorman in the early hours of January 19, 2019.
Face-Off at Harbour Street Bar
Maloney was first asked to leave the Harbour Street pub. Minutes later, he returned, pressing his face against the glass door. The doorman quickly recognised him and tried to keep him out—but Maloney forced the door open.
The doorman suspected Maloney was armed, spotting him hunched with his hands buried in his pockets. When he pulled a fake firearm from his waistband and fired several blank shots, panic erupted. No one was hurt, but the victim slammed the door shut and called the police.
Chilling Threats and Police Hunt
Before driving off, Maloney aimed the imitation weapon at a second man watching through the window. Firearms officers launched a full-scale search but found no trace of Maloney or the weapon.
Using CCTV footage, officers identified Maloney and tracked him down in London eight days later. He was arrested and confessed the gun was a starter pistol.
Prison Sentence for Terrorising Pub Staff
At Canterbury Crown Court on June 5, 2019, Maloney pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence. He was slammed with a 19-month jail sentence.
Investigating officer DC Kay Brown said: “Luckily no one was hurt that day but Maloney’s actions caused the victims to fear for their lives. Kent Police has a zero-tolerance approach to firearms-related offences and will take robust action against anyone found responsible to ensure they are charged and put before the courts.”
