Yahoo News Man who brought Preston to a halt admits having 'gun' on London Road
A man has admitted having an imitation firearm on London Road, Preston.
Daniel Hopkins, 42, brought rush hour traffic to a standstill as an exclusion zone was put in place on the busy commuter route on February 27, 2024. Hopkins, who was homeless and living in a tent near the Brockholes Nature Reserve, was arrested by an off duty police officer.
He was remanded in custody and appeared at Preston Crown Court today (August 27). He admitted possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.
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Police were called to reports of shots being fired at around 9am. A number of streets, including Cranbourne Road, London Road and Adelaide Street, were cordoned off while investigations were undertaken. No-one was believed to have been injured during the course of the incident.
The court heard Hopkins, of Guildford Road, Avenham, had been admitted to hospital and had wanted to remain there but had been discharged, days before the incident.
The Honorary Recorder of Preston, Judge Robert Altham, asked for a probation report following the guilty plea. Hopkins will be sentenced on Friday August 30.
