A Cheshire man armed with a BB gun ran to the rescue of a paraglider as they descended into a field of cows.
Henry Johnson, 21, of Yew Tree Avenue, Saughall, admitted possession of an unloaded air weapon in a public place when he appeared at Chester Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 19th May 2026.
Possession of an unloaded air weapon in a public place is an offence under section 19 of the Firearms Act 1968. It has a maximum sentence of 26 weeks' custody and/or an unlimited fine on summary conviction.
Stevie Bate, mitigating, told Magistrates that her client was diagnosed with autism as a young child and has recently started to live independently.
On 8th April 2026 Johnson saw a paraglider descending towards a field full of cows and was concerned about their welfare. He headed to the scene with his BB gun with the intention of providing assistance to the stricken aviator.
It would appear that police attended Lower Ridge Farm, Saughall, in response to a report that Johnson was "trying to fish without paying" and was in possession of a firearm.
By the time officers arrived the 21-year-old had handed his unloaded BB gun to a farm worker. The owner of the farm made no complaint in relation to his conduct.
Miss Bate added that "previously BB guns were of different colours but now look like imitation guns". She noted that Johnson's family were providing support and assisting with his benefits.
Magistrates took a suitably pragmatic view in the circumstances.
Johnson was made subject to a 12-month conditional discharge.
He was also ordered to pay £26 surcharge and £85 towards prosecution costs.
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