Toy gun sparked police alert

A toy gun’s landed a Peel man in prison.

Mark Anthony Priestnal of Marine Parade admitted possessing an imitation firearm when he appeared at Douglas Courthouse this week.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes heard Priestnal was in a car when a special constable spotted the gun on his lap.

A firearms officer ordered him out of the car, and Priestnal’s advocate said at first his client couldn’t understand police concerns.

The 61 year old told police it was a gift for his grandchild and he was on his way to deliver it.

Mrs Hughes noted he’d already served five weeks on remand while waiting to be sentenced and imposed a ten-week jail term, effectively freeing him.

But she told him "Anybody found in possession of a firearm, real or imitation, can expect custody - you were foolish in the extreme to keep it in your vehicle".