A man has been jailed today (February 2) after discharging an imitation firearm and damaging a window at a house on a North East street.

Carl Khan of Leven Street, Middlesbrough, has been sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to possession of an imitation firearm at Teesside Crown Court today.

He also pleaded guilty to a charge of criminal damage related to the incident.

This comes after Khan damaged glass on a front door after firing an imitation firearm several times on Carlow Street, Middlesbrough.

Read more: One person injured after incident outside Billingham school

Cleveland Police hoped this verdict will send a clear message to others that carrying imitation firearms in public will not be tolerated.

Investigating officer, DC Ben Millington, from Middlesbrough CID highlighted the importance of keeping such objects off the streets, and denounced the culture of fear they create.

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He said: “Those who carry imitation firearms cause extreme fear and distress to those around them.

“This sentencing sends out a strong message that carrying imitation firearms in a public place will not be tolerated and those responsible will be dealt with robustly.

“We are determined to prevent such behaviour from causing fear to local residents and we are committed to ensure those who commit crime in our communities are brought to justice.”