A 49-year-old man has been sentenced today, Tuesday 2nd July, at Laganside Crown Court to 20 months for possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Brian Stalford pled guilty to the offence at Laganside Crown Court on 14th May this year, and was sentenced today to 10 months in prison and 10 months on licence. 

Detective Sergeant Hughes said: On 1st June 2023, footage of a vehicle dash cam pertaining to a Fonacab taxi driver was shared across social media platforms. The footage shows the taxi driver threatening another male in the front passenger seat with what appeared to be a suspected firearm. Following the circulation of the video, the taxi driver was identified by Police as Mr Stalford and arrested at his home address.  

“Today’s sentencing sends a message that the possession or use of firearms, imitation or otherwise, is unacceptable in any modern society. We are committed to apprehending perpetrators and this demonstrates our commitment towards tackling violence against any member of the public who finds themselves in harm’s way.”