‘Acting big’ with a gun lead to jail

AN Oldham man was sentenced to 16 months in prison on Friday for threatening his girlfriend with a BB gun while “trying to act the big man”.

Mohammed Usman Shabir (22) of Clarksfield Road, Oldham, met Sonia Azan from Derby, at Piccadilly station last September 19. The couple, who met through Facebook, enjoyed a stormy relationship said Henry Blackshaw, prosecuting.

The pair had been driving around the city and began arguing when Shabir reached into the doorwell, produced a BB gun and said he was going to “pop” her with it while holding the gun to her head.

They continued to drive before another argument and a scuffle broke out. Ms Azan left the car and called the police, who found the BB gun in the car.

Shabir, who pleaded guilty shortly before a trial could begin, was charged with possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence. He was handed a three-year restraining order preventing him from contacting Ms Azan and her family.