Man fails to get jail term cut

David Arthur Shepherd, of Schoolfields Road, Shenstone, near Lichfield, was jailed at Stafford Crown Court after admitting possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He also admitted common assault on his ex-wife and putting an ex- girlfriend in fear of violence by harassment.

Yesterday, his counsel, Andrew Baker, said the sentence was too long for someone with no previous firearms convictions and y a low-power imitation gun.

Lord Justice Hooper, Mr Justice Treacy and Sir Richard Curtis, said that, while the sentence was heavy, it was "duly severe" and could not be reduced.

Mr Justice Treacy said alcoholic Shepherd had a tempestuous relationship with his ex-wife and girlfriend, coming to a head in August when his girlfriend ended their relationship.

After drinking heavily with his ex-wife and sending numerous harassing text messages to his former girlfriend, an argument began and he slapped his ex-wife.

The next day, he continued sending texts to her, one with a photograph of his newly-bought weapon, complete with the phrase: "Now who's joking?"

Police found him in his car in Burnthill Lane, Rugeley, near his ex-girlfriend's home, holding the weapon out of the window. Officers told him several times to put it down, but he had been drinking and refused.

They fired twice, hitting him in the hand and arm causing him to drop the gun.

He was arrested and, despite admitting offences, minimised the seriousness of what he had done, referring to the gun as a "toy".

Mr Justice Treacy said that although it was an imitation gun, police genuinely believed that their lives were in serious danger.