Man had airgun in a Kirkcaldy shop as he bought cans of lager

Richard Sarjantson, of Melrose Crescent, Kirkcaldy appeared before Sheriff James Williamson at Kirkcaldy Sheriff Court.

Sarjantson, 44, admitted that on July 8, 2019 at the Co-op in Lauder Road, Kirkcaldy he behaved in a threatening manner by shouting, referring to an individual being killed and lifting his t-shirt to display the handle of an air weapon tucked into his trousers.

He further admitted on the same date, in the same place and elsewhere, he had a weapon, namely an airgun, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, contrary to the Firearms Act 1968.

He also admitted on July 10, 2019 at his home address having an air weapon without holding an air weapon certificate and having in possession an air rifle without being the holder of a valid certificate, contrary to the Air Weapons and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2015.

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The Procurator Fiscal Depute told the court: “The complainer said on the day in question the accused was at her till and he was purchasing ten cans of lager which she noted was more than his usual four cans.

"She heard him remark ‘why would someone kill someone in their house’.

"She said he started talking gibberish and lifted up his t-shirt displaying the handle of a handgun in his trousers. She contacted the police and CCTV showed what had happened.

"A search warrant was granted for his property and a black handgun was found in the bedroom. Officers also found an air rifle.”

The court heard the weapons were not in working order.

Sarjantson’s defence lawyer said his client has had an interest in guns for a number of years, having hunted with his father as a child.

He said his weapons had been decommissioned some time ago due to the fact his daughter was living with him at the time.

He added: “He has taken steps to ensure they were not in working order.”

Sheriff Williamson told Sarjantson: “This offence would have merited a custodial sentence but I have taken into account these weapons have been decommissioned.” He restricted his liberty for nine months, seven days a week from 9pm to 7am.

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