Drunk one-legged man fired air rifle at petrol station in flat tyre rage

A drunk man started shooting an air rifle on the forecourt of a local petrol station because he was frustrated with a flat tyre, magistrates have heard. Steven Lloyd Richards, aged 37, of Tregaron in Ceredigion, Wales, appeared at Aberystwyth Justice Centre on Wednesday. He pleaded guilty to driving while over the legal alcohol limit, possession of a loaded firearm in a public place, and criminal damage to a Ford Transit van.

The court heard that the owner of a Tanygroes garage dialled 999 at 12.30am on August 16, to report a one-legged man on his forecourt with a rifle. Ellie Morgan, prosecuting, said: “No threats were made. The garage owner described him as agitated but not aggressive.” Police officers who arrived on the scene noticed damage to Richards’ tyre and windscreen and he told them he had a ‘blow-out’. A positive roadside breath test was given, and he was later found to have 94mg of alcohol in 100ml of breath, the legal limit is 35mg.



In interview Richards stated he had travelled to buy lager from a 24 hour shop in Aberystwyth, and pulled into the garage after getting a burst tyre on his way to Cardigan. He added that he had been drinking in the car. He told officers he removed the air-rifle, which he used for pest control as part time work, from the boot to get at the spare wheel. Miss Morgan said: “He said he shot it at the roof of the garage three times, but did not know why, he said he was a bit drunk and he might have shot the van as well. He said he did not intend to cause damage.”

The court heard that it would cost £480 to repair damage to the van. Alan Lewis, defending, said the incident was an ‘unusual set of circumstances’. He said: “His actions are not something you would expect from someone who is functioning properly. He accepts he has been drinking too much alcohol recently.” Mr Lewis added: “He had no intention of discharging the rifle, but became frustrated because his tyre was flat. He is very remorseful and sorry for his actions.” Magistrates adjourned sentencing until September 30, to allow a probation report to be completed, and imposed an interim driving disqualification. Richards was released on unconditional bail.