Hetton man escapes with suspended sentence after threatening neighbours with rifle in front of paramedics

A 50‑year‑old Hetton Le Hole man has been given a suspended sentence after producing a .22 air rifle and threatening to “shoot my neighbours” while ambulance crews were treating a patient at his home on Rutland Street.

Newcastle Crown Court heard Anthony Layton, upset after his dog’s death (which he blamed on neighbours’ rat poison), pulled the rifle as paramedics attended. An ambulance worker pressed a panic alarm; armed officers tasered and arrested Layton after he initially refused to cooperate.

He admitted possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and was sentenced to 16 months, suspended for 18 months, with requirements for alcohol abstinence, mental‑health treatment and rehabilitation. The judge said it was a “terrifying” incident but accepted Layton has prospects of rehabilitation.