Preston teen who pointed gun in mum's face spared jail

Sharon Mason said she feared for her life when her son Bradley, 19, produced the weapon at their home in Preston in the early hours of New Year’s Day.

But despite her terror, Miss Mason was able to push the weapon away from her son and snap it in half, while shouting for her daughter to call the police. She fled the house and took shelter with a neighbour who took her in, Preston Crown Court heard.

Bradley Mason pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and common assault.

The court heard the mother and son had been drinking at a family party and Bradley had also taken cocaine and pills. A row broke out shortly after they arrived home and Bradley produced the weapon, pointing it centimetres from his mum’s face.

Mercedeh Jabari, prosecuting, said: “She began screaming. She thought she was going to die.”

Bradley was arrested and told police he did not remember much about the incident.

Beverley Hackett, defending, said her client was a hard working young man who has never been in court before.

Addressing the defendant, Recorder of Preston, Judge Mark Brown, said: “I am prepared to accept your possession of the gun was intended as a threat and no more. Nonetheless it is a serious offence.”

Mason, of Grosvenor Street, Preston, was handed an eight month sentence suspended for two years with a 20 day rehabilitation activity requirement and 100 hours unpaid work.