Hospital gun threat man is jailed

Charlton aimed the air rifle at patients

A 32-year-old man from Greater Manchester who pointed an air rifle at patients and staff in a hospital emergency room has been jailed.

Scott Charlton, of Bellshill Crescent, Rochdale, pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

He brandished the unloaded weapon at Rochdale Infirmary on New Year's Eve.

The judge at Bolton Crown Court passed an indeterminate sentence and ordered him to serve a minimum of 618 days.

Scott Charlton claimed he had brandished the weapon in a desperate effort to secure treatment for himself, the court was told.

Judge Maureen Roddy told him: "You put staff and patients in fear for their lives.

"At present you must be recognised as someone who presents a significant danger to the community in which you live."