Ex soldier with interest in weapons carried gun into Wakefield convenience shop
Former serviceman left staff terrified after noticing pistol in his pocket.
An ex soldier was spotted carrying a pistol after entering a local shop, leaving staff terrified.
The imitation gun was either in the belt or back pocket of Paul Dews when it was spotted by a worker at the Premier shop in South Kirkby.
They patiently waited until he left before contacting the police.
The 48-year-old was given a suspended sentence at Leeds Crown Court, having already spent two months held on remand.
Prosecutor Robert Galley said Dews had entered the shop on The Green at around 5.20pm on February 24.
An assistant became concerned when she noticed Dews flick the back of his coat while he was stood at the fridge to reveal the gun.
It was felt that Dews had “done it deliberately”.
The worker alerted other staff members, but they opted not to challenge him. Police were later called and analysed the store CCTV.
Dews was identified and arrested the next day. A search of his house on Ings Close in South Kirkby unearthed another BB rifle and ammunition.
Mr Galley said it showed that Dews had an interest in weapons.
During his interview, Dews denied taking the pistol into the shop.
He later admitted a charge of possession of an imitation firearm with an intent to cause fear of violence.
Dews has previous convictions for ABH and having weapons in public.
Mitigating, Samreen Akhtar said Dews had left school at 16 and joined the Army, but suffered PTSD from his experiences.
She said: “He has expressed contrition for his actions. He accepts how scary it would have been.
“He wishes to apologise through me today.”
Judge Tahir Khan KC gave him a 12-month sentence, suspended for 18 months.
He was also ordered to complete 25 rehabilitation days with probation.