Following a Thames Valley Police investigation, a man has been sentenced for possession of an imitation firearm in Reading.
Daniel Gale, aged 30, of no fixed abode, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm whilst committing a schedule one offence, and possession of an imitation firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence.
He was sentenced to a total of four years and seven months in prison at Reading Crown Court on Monday, April 4.
Part of this is due to an activation of a suspended sentence for a previous robbery offence committed by Gale.
The sentence relates to an incident that occurred on Monday, September 27, last year, when Gale went into Morrisons on Basingstoke Road and attempted to shoplift.
When challenged, Gale produced an imitation firearm from his waistband and threatened the victim.
Investigating officer, Detective Constable Amy-Jane Rogers, based at Reading police station, said: “This was a terrifying incident for the victim in this case who was unaware at the time it was not a real firearm.
“The sentence shows the severity of this offence and how seriously it is taken by the courts.
“I would like to thank the victim for his bravery in coming forward and for his support throughout the investigation.”
