Gun prank student's "degree in stupidity"
A DRUNK student who sparked an armed police operation after firing a gun in a Sheffield suburb has been spared jail.
David Wilson, aged 20, who is predicted to get a first class degree, was spotted topless in Marlborough Road, Broomhill, waving an air rifle at houses.
Judge Michael Murphy said the student deserved a "first class honours degree in stupidity", but jailing him would be "a waste".
Wilson, who pleaded guilty to threatening unlawful violence, was ordered Wilson to serve a 12-month community sentence with 120 hours of unpaid work.
Sheffield Crown Court heard that a girl in a house opposite Wilson in Marlborough Road saw the gun pointed at her and heard the gun fired more than once.
Prosecutor Paul O'Shea said armed officers swooped and found a .22 air rifle. Wilson, of Nottingham, immediately confessed and apologised.
The court was told the final year Nottingham University economics student, had come to Sheffield for a friend's 21st.
They had gone out at 5pm and downed beer, wine and vodka before the incident at 11.24pm on November 27.
Mr O'Shea said the defendant was in a group who burst out of the house after it was egged by other students.
Judge Michael Murphy said: "Anyone in the 21st century who has a gun on the street in a big city can expect trouble.
"This conviction will come back to haunt you year after year for the rest of your life."
Miranda Bevan, defending, said the gun was unloaded and it was a "disastrously ill-judged prank".
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Wednesday 23 May 2012
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