11-06-2025
Glasgow man jailed after showing imitation gun to neighbour
David Stewart, 36, made the terrifying boast just months after police caught him possessing a taser at his home in Springburn, Glasgow, in June 2024.
The high court heard how he then went on to breach strict firearms legislation for a second time in September 2024 by showing the neighbour an Airsoft gun which had the appearance of a real weapon.
Judge Lady Poole heard that Stewart also told the woman that he possessed weapons which could kill people - this prompted the concerned female to contact police, who arrested Stewart under firearms legislation for a second time.
Stewart had pleaded guilty at the High Court in Glasgow to possessing weapons which breached the Firearms Act of 1968. Lady Poole deferred sentence for the court to obtain reports.
On Wednesday, Stewart, who was on remand at HMP Barlinnie in Glasgow, appeared at the High Court in Edinburgh for sentencing.
Lady Poole jailed the repeat offender for four years. Passing sentence, she said: 'You have expressed remorse and you pleaded guilty at an early stage.
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'Nevertheless, offences of this type must result in the imposition of a custodial sentence.
'The public must be protected from imitation firearms.'
At previous proceedings, the court heard how Stewart had previous convictions for violence, disorder and possessing weapons.
The court heard how in the second incident, the woman had returned to the block where she spotted Stewart.
Prosecutor Christopher Miller said he had a firearm which she feared was 'real".
Mr Miller said: "Stewart stated he was a gangster and that he had weapons to kill people."
The neighbour later went to a local police station as she was "extremely scared" by what happened.
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Stewart's flat was searched and the firearm was found to be a spring-operated BB gun capable of firing pellets.
Stewart had flouted a court order by committing the crime.
A stun gun had been found in his home in June 2024 after police were called to a report of a disturbance.
On Wednesday, defence advocate Gail Gianni told the court that her client had a 'difficult childhood' and an 'alcohol misuse' problem.
She added: "When his mother died, his alcohol consumption increased considerably."
Ms Gianni said Stewart was also remorseful for his actions.
She added: 'He is aware of the serious nature of these offences.'
