A 38-year-old man from Yeovil has been sentenced after an armed police officer discharged a firearm during an incident in March.
On Monday, March 23, at approximately 1:51 pm, police received reports that a man was carrying what appeared to be a handgun on Rosebery Avenue, Yeovil. Armed officers quickly responded and attempted to engage the individual on nearby Monmouth Road. During this engagement, an officer discharged a weapon. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Following the investigation, William Martin of Monmouth Road pleaded guilty in April to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. On June 5, at Taunton Crown Court, he was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years.
READ MORE: Small Somerset Village Near A303 Poised for New Housing Development
READ MORE: Lifeguards Begin Patrolling Somerset Beaches Today
Earlier arrests included a 16-year-old boy and another man, but the police confirmed that three others detained during the investigation were released without further action.
An Avon and Somerset Police spokesperson stated: “In April at Taunton Crown Court, William Martin, 38, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He was sentenced to 16 months in prison, suspended for two years. The other three individuals arrested were released without further action.”