A man has been fined after he accidentally revealed an imitation firearm in his shopping bag at a Sainsbury's store in Newcastle. David Caley, 39, of Bayswater Road, Jesmond, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm in a public place at Newcastle Magistrates' Court this week.
Incident at Sainsbury's
The incident occurred on October 4 this year when Caley entered the Sainsbury's store in Jesmond to buy groceries. He had forgotten that a BB gun was inside his bag. At the payment kiosk, he opened the bag in front of a cashier, and both heard a "clunk" as the gun was revealed.
Prosecutor Christopher O'Brien said Caley then left the store. He was identified from CCTV and later arrested. The court heard that Caley had six offences on his record and was last in trouble in 2022.
Defence and sentencing
Josh Hart, defending, said Caley "felt terrible" for what had happened. He explained that Caley had put the gun in the bag a couple of days beforehand and forgot it was there. When he placed the bag on the counter, the audible "clunk" made him realise the gun was inside. He told the cashier, "Sorry, there's a gun in there," and she contacted the police.
District Judge Paul Currer fined Caley £120 and ordered him to pay £85 costs and a £48 victim surcharge. The judge told Caley: "It was a very foolish thing to do. It could have been quite frightening and caused quite a scene but I accept your explanation as to why it was there."
