A Hexham man has been given a 12-month community order after a novelty lighter bought on Facebook appeared to be a firearm when he produced it in Newcastle city centre.
Joe Brown, 32, of Peth Head, Hexham, Northumberland, admitted possessing an imitation firearm in a public place at Newcastle Crown Court. The court heard the former kitchen porter intended to use the item as a lighter and did not threaten anyone with it.
Woman alerted police after seeing apparent firearm
The incident happened in March close to Newcastle’s Centre for Life. A woman became alarmed after hearing a clicking sound and seeing what appeared to be a black firearm. She contacted police, leaving her “shocked and distressed”, according to an impact statement heard by the court.
Brown was arrested after the report. He told officers that the object was a lighter he had bought through Facebook.
The court heard that Brown had not intended to cause distress. It was also told he had been diagnosed with autism and ADHD and had support. Brown has a criminal record.
Judge imposes community order
Judge Robert Spragg sentenced Brown to a 12-month community order with probation requirements. The judge said it was “not surprising” that the woman had contacted police after seeing the item.
Addressing Brown, Judge Spragg acknowledged that he had explained in interview that the object was a lighter and that he had bought it on Facebook for its intended purpose. But he described carrying it in public as “incredibly stupid”.
The judge also offered a pointed warning about buying similar items online, telling Brown: “I suggest you don't buy any others on Facebook.”
The case means Brown must complete the requirements attached to the community order and probation supervision. The court’s finding was that the object was an imitation firearm, despite its intended use as a lighter.