A teenager terrified women and children by firing an imitation sub-machine gun he bought at a car boot sale from a window in a block of flats.

Neil Smith sent plastic bullets hurtling into bushes where people were walking, Worcester Crown Court heard.

The firing went on for about 30 minutes from Smith's home and the gun looked very realistic, said Tim Sapwell, prosecuting.

When police were alerted to the scene on May 15, the 18-year-old leapt from the window and tried to escape. But he was quickly caught.

Smith, of Grasmere Close, Hurcott Road, Kidderminster, was convicted by magistrates after a trial of possession of an imitation firearm and obstructing police.

He also admitted receiving a stolen £800 motor scooter.

Sending him to detention for 12 months, Judge Andrew said Smith had behaved irresponsibly in a public place by frightening passers-by.

The other offence happened on April 4 when the scooter, stolen from Lea Street, Kidderminster, was in the front garden of Smith's home.

He was seen tinkering with it and it was later found burnt out.

Nigel Hall, defending, said to use a fake weapon in the current gun culture climate was a stupid thing to do, although it could not caused any serious injury.

Smith, who bought the gun for £5 at a car boot sale, now realised how its use could affect members of the public.

A friend of Smith's had brought him the scooter. It was set alight behind his back.

Mr Hall said he was the father of a nine-month-old daughter. Custody would mean him being away from his child as she was growing up.