A 34-year-old man has been jailed after threatening police officers with what appeared to be a gun hidden inside a paper bag in Worcestershire.
West Mercia Police responded to reports of a man acting suspiciously in Kidderminster on 20th October. When officers approached, the suspect, later identified as Daniel Smith, pulled out a paper bag and pointed it at them, claiming it contained a firearm.
Smith was quickly detained and arrested. Upon investigation, the bag did not contain a real gun, but the court ruled that his actions constituted a credible threat. He was charged with possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
At Worcester Crown Court, Smith was sentenced to three years in prison. Judge Rebecca Smith stated that his behaviour had caused significant distress to the officers involved and that such actions would not be tolerated.
Detective Inspector James Cooper of West Mercia Police praised the officers for their professionalism and urged the public to report any suspicious activity.
