York man, 76: This is why I pointed a replica sub-machine gun at a workman in my street

James Richard Moxon apologised for ‘causing fear and tribulation’ through his behaviour when a van driver parked outside his York home. He believed the driver was on the grass verge but he warned others not to act as he had.

Moxon, 76, of Burnholme Drive, Tang Hall, was speaking after a judge at York Crown Court recently gave him a six-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

He had pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation MP40 folding stock machine gun with intent to make another person fear unlawful violence would be used against him.

He had a previous conviction in 2004 for causing actual bodily harm to a neighbour.

York Crown Court was told the terrified workman had believed Moxon was pointing a real submachine gun at him, capable of firing hundreds of rounds a minute, and took cover behind his vehicle.

Moxon’s solicitor advocate Neal Kutte told the court: “He is generally a law-abiding man. He has lost his temper on this one occasion and has done something to frighten someone with no intent to assault someone.”

James Moxon outside his house in Burnholme Drive

A local resident has since told The Press that his actions had also frightened children in the area, who thought he had a real gun, and led to great concern after armed police had sealed off the road during the incident.

Moxon, a former Merchant Navy and railways engineer, contacted The Press to explain why he behaved in such a way and speak of his contrition.

He said he had bought the imitation firearm, made of plastic and metal, as a kit from a York model shop about 30 years ago and assembled it himself.

He said he was fascinated as an engineer in how it was made.

It was a replica of the MP40 sub-machine gun, which the Germans had made for its paratroopers.

He said he did not like people parking on the verge and a bollard had been built by the council to prevent this happening.

He claimed that he went to remonstrate with the driver and they exchanged words, then he ran back inside the house to grab the replica gun.

He came back out and waved it at the driver, threatening to shoot him.

“I had a sudden flash of blood to the head,” he said.

“I was a naughty boy. It was a stupid thing to do.

“I am sorry for causing fear and tribulation. I certainly won’t be doing it again.”

He said the judge had confiscated the gun but he was also aware of the suspended jail sentence hanging over him.

“It’s going to make you think,” said Moxon.

He added that he would advise anyone else thinking of repeating what he had done not to to do so.