Pensioner Fires Air Pistol at Women After Dog Fouling Incident in Hull
A furious pensioner brandished a silver air pistol and fired shots at a group of women and girls after they laughed when their dog fouled on the grass outside his bungalow in Hull. Brian Hoyle, 73, admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence following the alarming incident on April 14 last year.
Shocking Confrontation Over Dog Mess
The confrontation unfolded around 6pm as a woman, her daughter, and two other daughters aged 18 and 16 were walking to local shops with their dog. As they passed Hoyle's home on Spring Bank West, where he was sitting in his garden with his wife, the dog fouled near his property. The group began laughing, prompting Hoyle to yell angrily: "Why do you let your dog s*** on my lawn?"
The women quickly cleaned up the mess using a carrier bag and continued walking, planning to cross the road to dispose of it. At that moment, they spotted a silver metallic object on Hoyle's lap before hearing what they believed was a bullet striking a nearby garage shutter. They were left in a state of shock and hurried away from the scene.
Police Investigation and Firearm Discovery
Officers were called to Hoyle's residence shortly after the incident. When he opened his front door, they determined he presented no immediate danger. However, a search of his property uncovered two weapons: a large silver John Wayne revolver with ammunition and a loaded black machine pistol.
Hoyle initially made concerning statements to police, declaring: "I am guilty. I have shot some b*****d. I'll tell you what. I'm going to get him. See you in 20 years." He later claimed these comments were "all bull" as he had been drunk at the time, insisting he was merely "degassing" the air pistol by firing it five times in succession.
Court Proceedings and Mitigating Factors
At Hull Crown Court, prosecutor Holly Thompson detailed how the victims felt anxious and frightened following Hoyle's actions, with one expressing ongoing concern about his potential future conduct. However, the woman's mother noted that after Hoyle's arrest, his demeanor changed significantly, and he appeared to have reflected on his behavior, becoming a "much nicer man."
Mitigating barrister David Godfrey highlighted that Hoyle had no prior convictions and had been a diligent worker previously employed as a printer. "He is a good guy," Mr Godfrey stated. "He has contributed robustly to society. He has done a very foolish thing."
The court heard that Hoyle had been a very skilled marksman in his younger days, participating in air weapon competitions across Europe. He retained the two firearms as mementos from this period. Hoyle admitted guilt at the earliest opportunity and expressed deep regret for his actions.
Sentencing and Restraining Order
Hoyle received a nine-month suspended prison sentence with no additional conditions attached. The court also imposed a five-year restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victims or approaching their addresses.
Mr Godfrey acknowledged that there had been "some antisocial behaviour with dogs fouling on his lawn" previously but emphasized this did not minimize or excuse Hoyle's response. "He wishes to God that he had never taken the pistol outside," the barrister told the court, "something he wishes had never happened."
The case serves as a stark reminder of how quickly neighborhood disputes can escalate to dangerous levels, particularly when firearms are involved, even those retained as sentimental items from past hobbies.
