A MAN who walked by police officers swinging an antique pistol by his side has been fined by the court.

Arnis Pauches appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court after previously pleading guilty to having the imitation firearm, a flintlock pistol, in a public place.

The 40-year-old carried the gun from his parents’ home to his own flat in Scotstoun on February 19.

On Friday, the procurator fiscal depute said: “At 1.40pm, police were carrying out enquiries at Kingsway Court.

Glasgow Times:

“They observed two males walk past the car. The accused was in possession of an antique style handgun. He was swinging it by his hip with his right hand, in full display.

“He was observed walking towards the hill at Kingsway Court, towards Dumbarton Road. Police pressed the emergency button to advise the control room of the circumstances.

“The accused was followed, and the firearm was present throughout, in his right hand and in full display.”

Officers then lost sight of Pauches and an armed response unit attended and carried out a search, which was unsuccessful.

The procurator fiscal depute added: “Officers approached the concierge at Kingsway Court and CCTV footage was retrieved. The accused was observed leaving with the gun.”

Pauches was detained and explained that he had taken the antique firearm form his father’s home to his own home.

The pistol was examined as an imitation gun, with its barrel blocked. It was described as “safe” and not able to fire.

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Pauches’ solicitor told the court that his client was taking the item from his parents’ flat to his own flat, which is a neighbouring tower block.

He added: “He accepts he had the item in a public place without lawful authority.

“My invitation to the court is to consider dealing with him by a financial penalty as an alternative to custody. He had the item for a relatively short period. It was an imitation item that could not fire.”

Sheriff Daniel Kelly told Pauches: “Withstanding the nature of this offence and the item, and your lack of any previous convictions relevant to this matter, I will deal with this today by way of a fine.”

Pauches was ordered to pay £420.