Man jailed after pointing loaded gun at police

A racist thug who aimed a loaded shotgun at police after claiming he was doing “target practice” has been jailed for six and a half years.

Gary Martin sparked frightening scenes after officers were called to his home in Glasgow's Drumchapel last July.

He had earlier hurled abuse at a neighbour left so scared she barricaded herself in her flat and grabbed a knife for safety.

Martin was only halted when his own dad happened to be passing and tackled his crazed son.

The 29 year-old was today/yesterday sentenced at the High Court in Glasgow.

He had pled guilty to four charges including assaulting police by aiming a shotgun at them and making racially aggravated threats.

Lord Matthews told him: “You were terrifying innocent people in their homes and shouting racist abuse.

“You aimed a loaded shotgun, pointing it at officers and leaving them fearing for their lives.

“Police officers have a difficult enough job as it is.”

Members of Martin's family and friends sobbed as he lead handcuffed to the cells.

One shouted towards him: “Chin up, son.”

Martin will also be monitored for a further three years on his release.

A hearing was told the neighbour had been wakened in the early hours of July 17 last year by Martin shouting very loudly.

She had previously complained to her landlords about him.

As she opened her window, the racist yelled up: “You f*g by...I will f*g get you.”

The mum record what Martin was shouting then messaged a friend who called police.

Another neighbour witnessed Martin yelling comments including “where are the f*g n*s” and “get me armed response...I've reloaded”.

He then chillingly stated: “People are getting up for work. I'm looking for target practice.”

Police arrived and initially went to her flat.

Prosecutor Shanti Maguire said: “The door was eventually opened. she had barricaded it with furniture as she was terrified of her neighbour.

“She had a large kitchen knife in her right hand and looked visibly shaken as were two children.”

PCs Craig Osborne and Steven McMaster then became aware of cMartin and a spent shotgun cartridge lying near his door.

Martin yelled at them to “get to f***” while brandishing the shotgun.

Miss Maguire: “They feared he was going to fire at them. Martin continued to point the shotgun as they retreated.”

One officer pressed the panic button on his radio for back-up.

Martin screamed: “You are going to need to shoot me. I'm not coming with you.”

His dad Peter Martin then happened to be dropping a passenger off in his taxi.

He jumped out and saw his son with the shotgun now at his feet.

Miss Maguire: “He grabbed Martin around the waist and struggled with him. This allowed police to handcuff him.”

It emerged there had already been a warrant out for Martin's arrest for a separate matter.

The gun was found to be an Italian-made weapon in “working order”.

Tony Lenehan, defending, said Martin had not intended to use the firearm.

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