Former Burnley restaurant worker was carrying imitation firearm and drugs

A 22-year-old man, stopped by police for smelling of cannabis, had an imitation firearm stuffed in his waistband, a court heard.
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Mohammed Rawan Ahmed volunteered the information about the gas powered air pistol when he was arrested at 7-40pm, in Manchester Road, Burnley.

Drugs were discovered in his jacket pocket.

The town’s magistrates were told the defendant, who says he had the gun for target shooting, was jobless and the Bench chairman told him: "It does seem to be a case of the devil finding work for idle hands."

Burnley Magistrates' CourtBurnley Magistrates' Court
Burnley Magistrates' Court
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Mr David Leach, defending, told the hearing Ahmed pleaded guilty at the first opportunity and made admissions immediately to the police.

He regularly shot tin cans on canal paths away from the public, had been out with friends and foolishly tucked the weapon down the back of his trousers.

The solicitor continued: "In hindsight, he should perhaps have taken it home before going into Burnley. It was a Sunday evening, there weren’t a lot of people about. There is no suggestion he was using it for unlawful purposes. It wasn’t loaded and it doesn’t appear he had any pellets on him.”

Ahmed, a former restaurant worker, of Arley Gardens, Burnley, admitted possessing an imitation firearm in a public place and possessing cannabis on January 19.

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He was given a 12-month community order, with a 15-day rehabilitation activity requirement and 40 hours unpaid work.

The defendant, who had never been in trouble before, was told to pay a £90 victim surcharge and £85 costs.