Man fined by magistrates for carrying air rifle

Moments earlier magistrates had fined Robert Lane for the offence that took place in the communal area of shared flats in Worcester.

Lane, of Mayfield Road, Worcester, had previously pleaded not guilty to possession of an air weapon in a public place.

But when he appeared at Worcester Magistrates Court on Friday, (December 2) for his trial, Lane admitted the offence.

FINED: Robert Lane has been fined by Worcester magistrates (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

Andrew Mitchinson, prosecuting, told magistrates that at at around 1am on March 13 this year police were called to reports of a man with a weapon at the Mayfield Road flats.

Mr Mitchinson said the dad-of-one had been intoxicated and had been filmed carrying the air rifle. 

The prosecutor added the 45-year-old had been tasered by officers at the scene before his arrest. 

In police interview, Lane read from a prepared written statement explaining there had been a problem with his car boot storing the rifle, so had decided to carry the rifle to his flat when he was spotted by other residents.

Lane's statement said: "It was unloaded. 

PHONE: Robert Lane held his phone up appearing to be filming the Worcester News reporter (Image: Sam Greenway/Newsquest)

"I did nothing to cause them to fear for their safety."

Magistrates heard Lane had a previous conviction of possession of an offensive weapon, that offence taking place in 2019. 

And the court heard Lane owed more than £1,500 to the courts from past offending. 

Jason Patel, defending, said Lane had had to go to hospital after the taser because he suffers from a heart condition. 

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"He is remorseful," Mr Patel said, urging magistrates to give him a financial penalty. 

The solicitor added that the only conviction similar on his record was the 2019 offence, explaining Lane also owed money from motoring offences.

Robert Lane told his past offending was a 'serious aggravating factor'

Susan Mitchell, chairman of the magistrates bench, told Lane the serious aggravating factor was the previous conviction but said this was balanced by Lane showing remorse.

Lane was fined £162 and told to pay costs of £200 and a victim surcharge of £34. 

Lane was told the total, £396, would be added to the outstanding money he owes to the courts being deducted from benefits. 

The chairman also urged Lane to "do something about" the money he owes to the courts.

As Lane walked out of court he held his camera up, appearing to film, while he was pictured by a reporter.

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