One thing went incorrect, please attempt once more later.
Invalid electronic mail One thing went incorrect, please attempt once more later.
Get the most effective and newest crime tales with our Courtroom Insider publication
Holidaymakers in Paignton watched in horror as a raging driver twice left his automotive to level a faux machine gun. Bradley Tummon mentioned to at least one man ‘Come on you p***y, I will shoot you’.
A couple of minutes later he aimed the imitation weapon at a terrified household in a automotive. A frightened nine-year-old passenger advised his dad and mom ‘I do not wish to die’ and witnesses thought they might be shot.
Police had been referred to as and stopped Tummon who surrendered his realistic-looking Airsoft rifle. The 24-year-old appeared at Exeter Crown Courtroom to be sentenced for the seafront mayhem in August final 12 months.
Learn extra: Exeter homicide: Tributes paid to ‘kindest, most beneficiant and exquisite’ Lorna England
The court docket was advised Tummon has recently-diagnosed psychological well being points that defined his behaviour and he was given a suspended sentence.
The chaos began when Tummon received offended at a pedestrian whereas he was driving his Seat in a queue of visitors alongside the Esplanade. He reacted to being referred to as ‘a t**t’ by getting out of the automotive, placing his fists up and throwing punches.
Tummon then went again to his automotive, took out the imitation firearm, pointed it on the man and made the threats to shoot him. Members of the general public advised him to cease and he drove off at pace, leaving witnesses shocked and shaken by what they’d seen.
Shortly afterwards a household in a automotive on Dartmouth Street pulled over after the Seat, which was being pushed erratically and swerving round automobiles, drove near their rear. Tummon stopped his automotive a couple of metres forward earlier than getting out and retrieving the weapon from his boot.
Witnesses described the defendant holding the imitation firearm to his cheek and intentionally taking intention on the driver.
“We had been completely terrified he was going to shoot at us,” mentioned the motorist. A toddler within the automotive was left in tears pondering he could be shot lifeless.
The motorist drove away down one other avenue whereas Tummon stored them inside the weapon’s sights. The household thought the gun was actual and felt threatened and confused by what was occurring.
One other witness mentioned: “We had been all terrified for our lives.” When police arrested Tummon he advised them the weapon may solely fireplace BB gun pellets.
The defendant, of David Street, Torquay, has no earlier convictions and has since been recognized with ADHD and being on the autistic spectrum. He was going by means of a troublesome time in his private life on the time having just lately cut up from his accomplice.
Recorder Mathew Turner was advised the defendant is genuinely sorry and has the sturdy help of household who had been in court docket to see proceedings. He didn’t intend that anybody could be damage.
He pleaded responsible to 2 offences of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to trigger worry of violence and one in every of harmful driving. He was jailed for 9 months, suspended for 18 months and advised to do 40 rehabilitation days with probation.
Recorder Turner mentioned Tummon’s behaviour was out of character and he’s a sensible prospect for rehabilitation. He mentioned the defendant’s psychological well being issues may partially clarify why he ‘snapped’ after being referred to as a ‘t**t. However he mentioned there was actually no excuse for his extreme response.
READ NEXT: