Fake Gun Terrorises Youngsters: Shooter Jailed for Over 10 Years
A man sparked panic when he brandished imitation guns at a group of youths in Newham. Now Peter Brown, 29, from Hope Street, Stamford-Lee-Hope, has been slammed with a hefty 10 years and nine months behind bars.
The frightening incident
On the evening of 25 August 2017, CCTV captured a car pulling up on Wellington Road. The back doors flung open and two fake handguns were waved at terrified young men, who fled in terror. The car paused briefly, flashed the guns again, and sped off.
A passerby quickly alerted police, sparking a fast response.
Swift justice after a daring investigation
Detectives from the Trident and Area Crime Command launched an immediate probe. They identified Brown as the driver. He was arrested at home on 2 September 2017 and charged the following day.
Detective Rob Jones said: “Although nobody was injured, brandishing a pistol at people causing them to fear they will be shot is a despicable act. This took place opposite a children’s playground on a warm summer evening. The youths can be seen on CCTV running for their lives. Incidents like this spread fear and trauma through communities.”
Brown pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 10 April. He was sentenced on 13 April.
Fraud charges add to the sentence
Brown didn’t just face firearm charges. He was also sentenced for scamming £1,400 from two elderly women at cash points. Using distraction tactics, Brown and a co-defendant stole their bank cards and drained their accounts.
He received an extra three months for this fraud, to run alongside his firearm sentence.
Possession of firearms, real or fake, is taken seriously by UK courts, and Brown’s punishment sends out a clear warning: brandishing weapons to terrorise communities will not be tolerated.
