Man who threatened victim with imitation gun in Reading jailed

Author: Grace McGachyPublished 5th Apr 2022

A man's been jailed for 4 years and 7 months after threatening a member of staff at a Reading supermarket with an imitation gun.

30 year old Daniel Gale of no fixed address pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm whilst committing a schedule one offence and possession of an imitation firearm with the intent to cause fear of violence at Reading Crown Court.

On 27 September 2021 Gale went into Morrisons on Basingstoke Road and attempted to shoplift.

When challenged, Gale produced an imitation firearm from his waistband and threatened the victim.

Investigating officer, Detective Constable Amy-Jane Rogers, based at Reading police station, said:

“This was a terrifying incident for the victim in this case who was unaware at the time it was not a real firearm.

“The sentence shows the severity of this offence and how seriously it is taken by the courts.

“I would like to thank the victim for his bravery in coming forward and for his support throughout the investigation.”