A MAN left witnesses feeling “scared” when he “unnecessarily” brought an air rifle out of his caravan in Dolgellau.

Paul Challis, 54, of Ballantyne Place, Liverpool, raised the air rifle after an argument with another person at the caravan park.

Today (November 26), Challis was sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for a year-and-a-half, at Caernarfon Crown Court.

He had previously admitted possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.

Prosecutor Richard Edwards said that, on October 15, 2023, Challis was stood outside his caravan when he saw another man, Larry Harper, preparing to leave the park.

Challis repeatedly shouted at Mr Harper, asking him if he “had a problem”, and waved his arms aggressively.

Matters then escalated when Challis went into his caravan, and came back out carrying his air rifle, which he then raised.

Defending Challis, John Wyn Williams said a number of references made on his behalf “speak highly” of him and show a “different side to his character”.

Mr Wyn Williams said Challis “felt threatened”, but also “desisted quite quickly” and “takes full responsibility”.

He said Challis is “extremely sorry” for his behaviour, which he now accepts was “not appropriate”.

Challis has “tried to move on,” said Mr Wyn Williams, who added that he suffers from numerous medical conditions.

Sentencing, Judge Timothy Petts told Challis he left witnesses at the caravan park feeling “really quite scared”.

Judge Petts said to him: “It’s unimpressive behaviour, to put it mildly.

“This disagreement escalated, wholly unnecessarily, when you went into your caravan and brought out your air rifle.”

Challis will complete 15 days’ rehabilitation activity and pay a fine of £500.

His air rifle was ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.