A ‘TRAUMATIC’ broad daylight incident in which an imitation gun was pointed at bystanders in Rugby town centre has earned the culprit a two-year jail sentence.
Karmarni Bailey, 22, of Clough Close, was sentenced at Warwick Crown Court after pleading guilty to to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and affray.
Armed police rushed to Market Place at around 2pm on November 17 last year following reports of a firearm being drawn during a fight.
Bailey, who was involved in the fight, pulled a black handgun out of his rucksack and pointed it at others involved and bystanders who were trying to help.
Rugby police officers arrested Bailey at the scene and seized the gun, which was later found to be an imitation.
Following Bailey’s sentencing, investigating officer Det Con Rebecca Naughton from Rugby Proactive CID said: “Karmarni’s actions last November were understandably traumatic to those involved.
“Despite the fact it was an imitation firearm, this would not have been obvious without close examination. For all intents and purposes, this appeared to be a real threat.
“I’d like to thank the witnesses in this investigation for their help and dedication, and would also sincerely like to thank the Rugby Town Rangers, who went above and beyond to deal with this incident prior to police arrival.
“The use and threats of weapons will not be tolerated within our communities and we hope this sentence will offer some reassurance to the public of how seriously we treat these offences.”
