Gunman who threatened police officer is jailed

A gunman who threatened to shoot a policeman in a busy supermarket car park filled with lunchtime shoppers and children, has been jailed.

Mason Fleming was jailed for seven years and three months at Reading Crown Court on Friday after pleading guilty to being in possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

The 23-year-old pulled the antique revolver after being put in the back of a squad car when two officers recognised him at Asda in Cippenham.  He was wanted in connection with an assault on a woman.

The court heard Fleming, of Moray Drive in Slough, had given a false name and was put in the car so the police could check his fingerprints.

In a statement, PC Kevin Murphy said Fleming's expressions changed from 'calm to angry' before pulling the gun and pointing it at his chest.

PC Murphy and his colleague sprang into action, wrestling with Fleming and forcing him to drop the gun by slamming the door on his arm.

'Things would have been very different if I had my shotgun on me' was the chilling vow from Fleming after being tackled.

Judge Ian Grainger told Fleming: "Aiming a loaded weapon at a serving officer during the middle of the day when other shoppers including children are around is a case of the utmost seriousness."

Samantha Riggs, defending, said her remorseful client wished he could 'turn back the clock' after the events at the superstore in Telford Drive in July.

Fleming, who has a six-month-old daughter, had admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence in October.

See more in Friday's Slough Express.