A gunman who pistol whipped another man outside a trampoline park faces a lengthy spell behind bars.
Rihards Mezinieks, 37, was caught on CCTV carrying out the attack outside the Rebound Revolution trampoline park on Talisman Road, Bicester, on October 30 using the weapon, which he stuffed into the waistband of his trousers after the assault.
Police officers swooped around a week-and-a-half later, stopping him in the car park of Banbury Gateway retail park on Armistice Day.
Found inside the car were two gas-powered BB guns together with ammunition. The imitation pistols were so powerful that they were legally categorised as firearms, Oxford Crown Court heard.
Appearing before Recorder John Bate-Williams on Friday, Mezinieks, of Witnell Road, Coventry, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and possession of two firearms and ammunition in a public place.
Prosecutor Jonathan Stone told the court: “The defendant used the weapon in anger and caused injury.”
Remanding him in custody to return to court on January 17 for sentence, the judge told Mezinieks: “You have been sensibly advised and you will be given credit for pleading guilty at this stage because you have saved court time and public money.”
Possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence carries a maximum sentence of 10 years’ imprisonment. The charge is so serious that it can only be dealt with at the crown court.
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