An airsoft enthusiast was confronted by armed police in Tamworth following an anonymous emergency call alleging he was carrying a firearm.
Connor Allsopp, aged 29, was stopped by officers in Darnbrook on August 15 after a member of the public reported seeing a man with a gun. Allsopp was found carrying a small black revolver which he dropped when approached by police.
During a hearing at Dudley Magistrates' Court on September 24, Allsopp, who lives in Furrow Drive, Tamworth, admitted to possessing an imitation firearm in a public place. Prosecutor John Hopkins explained that officers received a call describing the man and the vehicle he was believed to have left in. Upon stopping the vehicle, officers observed Allsopp exiting on the passenger side and attempting to flee on foot. He tripped and the starter pistol fell from him.
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The court heard from Allsopp’s defence that he is a fan of play combat, airsoft, and gun games. He had taken the starter pistol to a nearby park to assess how loud it was and to see its effects. Being confined to a one-bedroom flat, he sought the open space of the park, which he believed was deserted, to try out the starter pistol safely.
It was suggested the emergency call may have been malicious. The defence added that Allsopp was alarmed by the armed officers encircling the vehicle, which led to him falling and dropping the starter pistol.
Magistrate Berinder Singh Bassral emphasised the seriousness of carrying any weapon in public, cautioning Allsopp that such behaviour is unacceptable and should be avoided. Allsopp, who is a full-time carer for his mother and receives benefits, was fined £80, with an additional £32 victim surcharge and £85 in court costs.