Anthony Williams appeared at Norwich Crown Court after admitting to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear and also carrying a samurai sword in a private place.
The incident occurred last year on May 19, when Williams was at the Fiveways pub on the outskirts of the city. The victim, a builder, was involved in a heated exchange with another man when Williams suddenly produced a gas-powered BB gun and pointed it at the victim’s torso. The victim pushed Williams’ hand away and then left the pub after finishing his drink.
The imitation firearm caused alarm among other patrons, including those playing pool and the pub landlord. The victim later returned to inform the landlord, prompting a police investigation aided by CCTV footage. Williams was arrested the following day at his home, where police also found a samurai sword.
Williams, 38, claimed to police that he had been joking and “just p*****g about.” However, the judge described the offence as “troubling” and “extremely distressing,” noting that Williams had no other reason for producing the weapon but to make the victim fear being shot.
Despite Williams’ history of 12 convictions for 17 offences, and a diagnosis of schizophrenia which was untreated at the time, Judge Katharine Moore imposed a six-month prison sentence suspended for 21 months. Williams was also ordered to complete 15 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and was banned from contacting the victim.
His defence lawyer described the incident as a brief lapse in judgment, emphasizing Williams’ difficult childhood and troubled mental health.
