A young driver who pointed an imitation firearm at another motorist during a road rage incident has been jailed.
Kiejuan Brandy left his 25-year-old victim feeling “extremely scared” following the incident in London Road, Nottingham, on 15 April last year.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the victim was a broadband engineer and had been driving a work van.
Both drivers were approaching Queen’s Road when Brandy, now aged 23, swerved into the right-hand lane to overtake a cyclist.
In doing so, he forced the engineer to apply his van’s breaks in order to avoid a collision.
The van driver sounded his horn at Brandy, who reacted by pulling alongside the van as they met queuing traffic at a red light.
Both drivers wound down their windows and an angry exchange broke out, during which Brandy pulled out what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol.
The incident happened in London Road, Nottingham. Insert: The imitation firearm
The court heard Brandy then shouted words to the effect of: “Do you want to carry on talking?”
Afraid for his safety, the engineer apologised. However, rather than accept the apology, Brandy pulled on the top of the firearm, whereby it made a distinctive metal clicking sound.
For a terrifying moment, the victim feared he was about to be shot before Brandy drove forwards and left the scene.
The victim called the police and Brandy was arrested a short time later at his home address, where an imitation firearm matching the provided description was located.
Brandy, of Oakmead Avenue, Bilborough, was sentenced on Tuesday (28 April) having pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
He was jailed for 18 months.
Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Farhan Dewan-Williams, who led the investigation, said:
“This was an appalling incident that understandably left the victim feeling extremely scared.
“These kind of road rage incidents are thankfully rare and will always be met with a robust police response.
“I am pleased the judge imposed an immediate custodial sentence and I hope this offers the victim some comfort following such a traumatic incident.
“This case acts as a reminder to road users to act responsibly and remain calm during stressful moments while on the move.”
