Man who showed fake gun to schoolgirls at train station is jailed

The incident occurred at Holywood train station earlier this year

A man who told two schoolgirls that he was a police officer and showed them what he claimed was his personal protection weapon has been given a two-year sentence.

Steven Hamilton of Upper Newtownards Road in Belfast, had previously pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm and behaving in an intimidating manner after the incident at Holywood train station earlier this year.

At Belfast Crown Court on Wednesday, Judge Neil Rafferty described Hamilton as a "troubled individual" who was "just trying to be the big man".

The 53-year-old will spend half of this sentence in prison and the other on licence.

Fake gun fired

The court heard at about 15:30 on 6 February, the two pupils were waiting at the County Down train station to board the Bangor to Belfast service when they were approached by Hamilton - who they said smelled of alcohol.

He told them he could report people for visual assaults and that he would get in trouble for talking to them.

He then told the girls he was a member of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), and showed them his alleged personal protection weapon which was tucked into the waistband of his trousers.

When the girls boarded the train, Hamilton followed and sat next to another girl while putting the weapon on his lap.

They then reported Hamilton to the ticket inspector, and when the train arrived at Lanyon Place Station, he was met by the station manager and two security staff.

He produced the weapon, which was later found to be a BB gun, and fired it into the air. He also threatened to knock the glasses off a staff member's face.

Police later arrived and Hamilton was subdued.

Previous convictions

On Wednesday, the court heard that Hamilton had 166 previous convictions, which of which are related to "alcoholism and mental health issues".

Judge Rafferty said the 53-year-old was "troubled" and is an "individual who simply cannot drink".

"He claims to have a full recollection of the day in question and said he was just trying to be the big man," the judge added.

"Unfortunately he had tried to be the big man on a number of occasions."