A man who pointed a gun at police and was talked down after an “intense standoff” has been jailed.
Richard Todd, 52, of Foxberry Road, Brockley, pleaded guilty to numerous weapon offences and was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment at Woolwich Crown Court on Monday, December 19.
On Wednesday, February 16, county court bailiffs attended Todd’s home to execute a property repossession warrant.
In what police described as a “truly terrifying experience”, the bailiffs were confronted by Todd holding a handgun.
They left and called police. When firearms officers arrived, they too were met by Todd pointing a gun at them.
After “an intense standoff lasting approximately twenty minutes”, Todd put the gun down and was quickly detained.
Detective Constable Theo Green, from the South East Command Unit praised officers for the “composure they showed, and their ability to talk a gunman down” which he said showed “true professionalism”.
Further searches of the address turned up 25 bulleted cartridges, 24 shotgun shells, and a bulletproof vest.
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Forensic examination revealed the gun was a revolver-style air pistol that had been converted to a viable lethal firearm and loaded with six rounds. Todd was charged two days later and remanded in custody.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of ammunition without a certificate prior to sentencing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Donna Smith, of the Met’s Firearm Command, said: “This incident demonstrates the bravery and professionalism of our firearms officers, who confront incidents like this on a daily basis to protect the public and unarmed officers.
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“This was one of the approximately 4,000 spontaneous firearms incidents we responded to over the last 12 months and shows how our officers will use their communication skills to de-escalate and conclude an incident safely. I am extremely proud of their response that day.”
Detective Constable Theo Green, from the South East Command Unit, said: “No one expects to have a gun pointed at them whilst they’re going about their job. This must have been a truly terrifying experience for the two bailiffs.
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“I would also like to take this opportunity to praise my colleagues in the Firearms Command who responded that day. The composure they showed, and their ability to talk a gunman down, shows true professionalism. The outcome of that day could have been much different.”
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