Belfast taxi driver admits imitation gun charge linked to viral footage

The video on social media showed the driver pointing what appears to be a gun at a man in the passenger seat

A taxi driver has admitted a charge related to a video of him pointing what appeared to be a gun at another man that was posted on social media.

Brian Alexander Stalford was initially charged with three offences.

However, on Tuesday his solicitor asked for him to be re-arraigned on a charge of possessing an imitation firearm.

He then pleaded guilty to the charge of possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence on a date between 1 March and 2 June 2023.

The court heard he possessed a handgun resembling a 'Desert Eagle' self-loading pistol.

Crown barrister Natalie Pinkerton told Judge Donna McColgan KC that the prosecution was leaving two remaining counts 'on the books' and they were not being proceeded with.

These counts were assaulting a front seat passenger and threatening to kill the same male, on a date between 1 March and 2 June 2023.

'Very serious charge'

Belfast taxi firm Fonacab terminated his employment after they were made aware of the footage in June 2023.

Judge McColgan said that as Stalford had admitted a "very serious charge", the consequences were "inevitable" and he was to be remanded into custody ahead of sentencing.

Mr Austin then asked that his client be granted continuing bail.

This, he said, was to allow Stalford to be examined by a number of defence experts including a psychologist which the solicitor said "can often prove to be extremely difficult" for defendants remanded in custody.

Mr Austin added that Stalford "has been on bail for a somewhat significant period of time" and has abided by all conditions.

The Crown barrister said the prosecution would not be applying to revoke his bail, but agreed that the consequences of his plea were "inevitable".

He was freed on continuing bail while awaiting sentencing.