Swindon man who carried rifles in town centre spared jail

Wiltshire Police released this image of the two air rifles Joseph Mclaughlin was carrying

A man has been given a suspended prison sentence after admitting carrying two air rifles on a busy shopping street.

Joseph Mclaughlin, 31, of Curtis Street, Swindon, pleaded guilty to two offences of possession of a firearm in a public place and one charge of being drunk in charge of a loaded firearm.

Armed police were called to The Parade in Swindon town centre shortly after 12:30 GMT on Sunday.

Mclaughlin was given a six-month sentence, suspended for two years.

Armed police were called to The Parade in Swindon town centre on Sunday following reports of a man with a gun

He was sentenced at Swindon Magistrates' Court on Monday and is subject to a tagged curfew between 20:00 and 07:00 GMT for six weeks.

The 31-year-old must also complete a six-month alcohol rehabilitation programme and 30 days of rehabilitation activities.

Det Sgt Justin Downes, of Wiltshire Police, said: "I am pleased that this man has been dealt with so quickly by the judicial system.

"It's completely irresponsible and dangerous to brandish any weapon in public - especially when there are so many people around.

"I hope this sentence and the subsequent help offered will now give this man the opportunity to turn his life around."