A Swindon man has been sentenced to seven-and-a-half years in prison for blackmail and possession of an imitation firearm and ammunition.
Dean Snarey, 43, of Burns Way, Upper Stratton, was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court after being found guilty following a trial.
Between 8.40am and 9.40am on 6 October 6 last year, Snarey arrived at an address, also in Burns Way, and demanded money from the occupants. When they refused he damaged the door so they could not open it to get out of the premises.
He then returned in a clown mask and brandishing a firearm, threatening to shoot them. The firearm was discharged and a pellet casing later found.
Snarey pleaded guilty to having live ammunition but refused to admit to the possession of a firearm, or blackmail, of which he was found guilty.
In a statement read out to the court Snarey's victim said: "I always feel like I am living in fear and I don’t want to leave the house as I think it's not worth the risk, I don’t trust leaving it.
"The fact his house is so near us and the fact the incident took place outside my house means I am constantly being reminded of the trauma."
Complex Crime Investigator Catherine Baird said: "I would like to thank the victims and witnesses who worked with us to safeguard the community from further offences from Snarey.
"This case has seen cancellations, adjournments and delays and they were all committed to seeing it through to a conclusion.
"We take incidents such as these extremely seriously and I’m delighted that Snarey has received a lengthy sentence for his crime.
"He attempted to persuade the court that the occupants wanted to buy the firearm and he was showing them that it worked.
“There is no place in Swindon, or anywhere else in Wiltshire for incidents such as these and we will continue to work hard to ensure the town is a safe place for everyone.”
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