Clown-masked blackmailer with imitation gun jailed

Dean Snarey was wearing a clown mask when he threatened his victim

A man who demanded money from his neighbours while wearing a clown mask and brandishing an imitation firearm has been jailed for seven and a half years.

Dean Snarey, 43, from Burns Way, Upper Stratton, in Swindon, threatened to shoot before discharging the weapon close to his victim who believed he had been shot.

His victim said in a statement they feel like they are always "living in fear" following the incident on 6 October 2023.

Snarey pleaded guilty to having live ammunition but denied possession of a firearm, or blackmail, for which he was found guilty. He was sentenced at Swindon Crown Court on 25 October after a trial in May.

Wiltshire Police said he arrived at the house, also on Burns Way, between 08:40 BST and 09:40 BST, demanding money from the occupants.

But when they refused to pay, he damaged their door, enough that they could not open it to get out.

'Reminded of trauma'

Snarey then came back, wearing a clown mask, brandishing the firearm and threatening to shoot.

The firearm was discharged and police found a pellet casing later.

Snarey claimed in court that the residents wanted to buy the firearm, so he was showing that it worked.

In a statement to 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."

They added that incident taking place at their home "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.

"I’m delighted that Snarey has received a lengthy sentence for his crime."