A 'GUNMAN' who threatened a man with what he thought was a pistol broke down and sobbed as a judge allowed him his freedom.

Burnley Crown Court heard how Michael Redmond, 22, had pointed the 23 inch fake gun at his ex-girlfriend's mother's boyfriend around midnight.

Redmond, who has been in custody 63 days and had never been in custody before, cried as Judge Beverley Lunt released him.

Judge Lunt said Redmond may have known the imitation firearm was some "daft toy gun" but victim Stephen Webster did not, and added: "You know firearms of all descriptions are a real problem nowadays on the streets."

Redmond, of Salus Street, Burnley, admitted possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He was given a year in jail, suspended for two years, with 12 months supervision and the Think First programme.

Sarah Statham, prosec-uting, said Redmond had been in a short-lived rel-ationship with Miss Darcy until June and the windows of her home had been smashed. The defendant had not been charged with that.

Mr Webster got a call from Miss Darcy's mother asking him to go round to her daughter's as there may have been more trouble. Miss Darcy wouldn't let him in because she said she thought Redmond was hidden behind a car and she was frightened.

Miss Statham said Mr Webster went to look for the defendant and saw him behind a vehicle across the road. Mr Webster asked him what he was doing and Redmond ran to the bottom of the street.

He had what appeared to be a pistol in his hand and pointed it directly at Mr Webster. He shouted at the victim, Mr Webster ran after him and Redmond made off.

Police were called and Mr Webster said he was sure it was a gun and that it had the appearance of a self-loading pistol.

Redmond was arrested a short time later and an imitation firearm, a ballbearing gun was found at his home. He made no comment when interviewed.

Rod Priestley, defending, said the imitation firearm was a "glorified toy gun."

The defendant had been trying in vain to make up with his partner. He was ashamed to be back before the court.