A MAN has been jailed after threatening someone with a shotgun before firing the weapon into a ceiling.

David Farrington, 68, of Heath Street, Golborne, was sentenced at Bolton Crown Court on Wednesday, March 20 after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

The incident took place on Heath Street on December 9, 2023, where Farrington went into a house to complain about music and pointed the weapon at a man.

A brief scuffle followed before the shotgun was fired into the ceiling of the property.

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Leigh Journal: The shotgun seized by policeThe shotgun seized by police (Image: GMP)
After the police were called, officers arrested Farrington, who was a registered firearms holder, and seized the shotgun.

During a search of his house, a further shotgun and several cartridges were found.

After being sentenced to 40 months in jail, Farrington was also ordered to forfeit his ammunition and firearms, and is banned from possessing a firearms license.  He was additionally ordered to pay £228 costs.

Detective Constable Riyaz Patel from Wigan CID said: “Farrington committed a very serious firearms discharge as a registered firearms holder, who should have known his responsibilities.

“I hope the sentenced imposed by the courts give the victim closure and shows that the police will investigate serious crime vigorously. Officers will always work thoroughly and diligently to punish those responsible for violent crimes in our commnuities."