Man jailed for threatening shopkeeper with firearm (From Haringey Independent)

Man jailed for threatening shopkeeper in Wood Green with firearm over £2.40

9:27am Wednesday 6th February 2013 in News By Bruce Thain

A man has been jailed for threatening a shopkeeper with a firearm after a dispute over £2.40.

Vincent Barnes, 38, of Morrant Place, Wood Green, was given two years in jail for threatening the shopkeeper of an off-licence in High Road, Wood Green.

Barnes pleaded guilty to  possession of an airgun with intent to cause fear of violence.

Police were called after reports that a fight had taken place between the shopkeeper and a man with a gun on September 2 last year.

Officers were told Barnes handed over money to the shopkeeper to pay for several items, who had also taken £2.40 for items he had allowed Barnes to take previously.

An argument followed and Barnes left the shop and ten minutes later returned to the shop with a firearm.

There was then a struggle between the two men in which the shopkeeper was able to wrestle the gun away from Barnes.

Police tracked down Barnes down to his home address after a detective was able to identify him.

Detective Constable Brittany Clarke said: "I would like to thank the members of the public that called police to report the incident.”

She added: “I must also mention the shopkeeper's bravery, as he had no way of knowing that the gun was not loaded and was an air gun.

"As far as he knew, Barnes had a gun and he was in danger, yet he managed to disarm him of the weapon and return to serving customers.

“I hope that our response to the incident reassures law abiding members of the public that the police are here to protect those going about their lawful business and to bring to justice to those intent on criminality."