A gunman who fired a shot into a busy city centre street walked free from court today.
Lachlan McNair was caught with the imitation firearm outside Glasgow Central station on October 20, 2021.
The 59-year-old dad-of-one earlier pulled the trigger into the city centre’s four corners before fleeing the scene.
He was discovered after he sorted out his balaclava, which was initially put on back to front.
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McNair pled guilty at Glasgow Sheriff Court to possession of a firearm or imitation firearm with intent to cause John Snoddy to believe lawful violence would be used against another person.
The court heard McNair was on Argyle Street around 9pm and was spotted with an “object” by Mr Snoddy - a stranger.
Prosecutor Laura Bradley said: “McNair was seen pointing the gun at the four corners followed by a small bang.”
McNair put the gun in his pocket before going into the train station where he “pulled down a balaclava.”
Miss Bradley added: “It was initially backwards on McNair’s head.
“He adjusted it and revealed his eyes and mouth only.”
The witness followed McNair up to the high level of the station before he headed out to Hope Street.
Police attended and traced McNair to a convenience store nearby where he was searched.
Miss Bradley said: “A black BB gun with a blue slot was found in the inside of his jacket pocket.
"The balaclava was also found inside his jacket pocket."
He was cautioned and charged then told officers: “It’s only an air gun.”
Gerry O’Donnell, defending, told the sentencing that the offence arose as he had ill will with people who loiter in the four corners area.
The lawyer added: "He took the BB gun with the view to frighten these individuals but he accepts other people would have been upset and shocked by that which he takes full responsibility for."
Sheriff Sean Murphy QC put McNair under supervision for two years and ordered him not to loiter in the four corners area.
He said: "Regardless of what you thought, this gun is a type of firearm in Scots law.
"You have a previous conviction for a firearm offence from 33 years ago.
"If you get a third conviction you will appear at the High Court where the minimum jail term is five years."
