Paramedic faced with armed man feared for his life

A householder produced a firearm and threatened to shoot his neighbours when ambulance workers attended to help a patient in his home.

- by Karon Kelly

Anthony Layton claimed rat poison put down by nearby residents had led to the death of his dog that day and he had purchased a gun to "shoot rats".

Newcastle Crown Court heard he then pulled out a rifle and warned "I'm going to shoot my neighbours."

A member of ambulance staff pressed his panic button and armed police later went to the house in Sunderland, where Layton was tasered and arrested.

Layton, 50, of Rutland Street, Hetton Le Hole, admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Prosecutor Omar Ahmad told the court the ambulance service had been called to Rutland Street after a report that a woman had fallen in the bathroom.