A GRANDFATHER who armed himself with a fake handgun to scare away bailiffs has been spared prison.

Two enforcement agents knocked on Danny Williamson’s door in Redgrave Road, Basildon, to collect payment for a £1,126 fine relating to alleged traffic offences.

The 55-year-old claimed he didn’t know anything about the fine and threatened the pair with knives - before reaching for the imitation firearm when the bailiffs suggesting taking his car.

He appeared in Basildon Crown Court yesterday to be sentenced after admitting possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence during an earlier hearing.

Charlotte Davison, prosecuting, recalled the events of July 4 in court after footage from one of the bailiff’s body-worn cameras was shown.

She said: “ The bailiff said he had a warrant to collect £1,126 and the defendant said that he didn’t know anything about it.

“At that stage, the door was shut and the witnesses moved away.”

About six or seven minutes later Williamson reopened the door, with the enforcement agent warning his vehicle would be seized.

The carpenter said he would come out with knives - before saying he would grab his gun.

Miss Davison added: “According to the witness statement, he came downstairs with the gun in his right hand. It was black and metal and looked like a revolver.

“He did not point it or make threats to use it. It was the first day at work for the second enforcement officer who said he thought it was a real gun and was petrified.”

The bailiffs phoned for back-up, with armed police arresting Williamson at gunpoint.

Caroline Moonan, mitigating, said Williamson wanted to scare them enough to force them to leave.

She said: “He never threatened the bailiffs and they were clearly not frightened as they remained on the doorstep.

“The gun is a toy that just makes a noise. When he is with his grandkids, they shoot at the television.

“He simply wanted them to leave. He thought it was a mistake or they were scam artists. He didn’t want to hurt them.”

Judge Ian Graham handed Williamson a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18 months, and ordered him to pay £520 in court costs. The toy gun will be destroyed.