A YOUNG Wrexham man has been spared time in a young offenders' institute after he was seen on the back of a moped with an imitation gun.

William Williams, of Crescent Road, appeared at Wrexham Magistrates Court on Tuesday.

The 20-year-old admitted that on January 11 he had in his possession a Beretta imitation firearm in Whitegate Road.

Prosecutor Justin Espie told the court Williams was captured on dashcam sitting on the back of a moped brandishing the object.

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When he was detained he was found to be in possession of gas cannisters and ammunition for the "bb-type gun".

Alun Williams, defending, said: "Effectively he has brandished it, but it doesn't appear to be directed at anyone.

"Clearly it was a foolish thing to do."

He said his client had bought the imitation gun earlier in the day at a retailer in Wrexham and intended to take it to a relative's house where he would keep it - before the police were informed and took "swift action."

District Judge Gwyn Jones told the defendant: "You may not understand that offences are taken very seriously by the courts.

"Maybe you haven't fully appreciated that when guns are seen on the street people become very, very worried.

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"Fortunately for North Wales, gun crimes are quite rare - however in certain other areas there are significant concerns with regard to young persons on mopeds going round with guns, terrifying members of the public.

"A member of the public made his concerns known to the police. That person did not know whether it was a real or imitation firearm.

"Whether you were just trying to be a wannabe gangster or show off matters not - the terror and worry you'd have caused that member of the public cannot be underestimated."

The district Judge handed down a 12 week detention at a young offenders' institute - but suspended it for 12 months.

Williams must observe a 7pm to 6am curfew for 16 weeks and pay costs of £85, as well as a surcharge of £128.

The court made a deprivation order with regards to the imitation gun.

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