A woman in Blaenau Ffestiniog was left terrified when a teenager pointed what appeared to be a gun at her head and exclaimed “pow”. Thomas Henchcliffe, 18 at the time of the incident, pointed one of two air pistols he was carrying at the woman’s face while she was seated in a car. Despite putting his hand through the car window, he held the weapon approximately 20cm from her face. The police were called to the scene following the incident and promptly arrested Henchcliffe, who later admitted to two counts of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence on November 9, 2023.
During the court proceedings at Caernarfon Crown Court, it was revealed that the incident occurred due to a complicated family breakdown. Henchcliffe’s late father had a previous relationship with a woman named Angie Clinton, who had a son that was the defendant’s stepbrother. The stepbrother, Aaron Clinton, was in a relationship with Catherine Poole, a bar worker at the Queens Hotel in Blaenau. The court heard that Henchcliffe’s presence made Poole feel uncomfortable as he was deemed a “general nuisance.” On the day of the arrest, Clinton and Poole spotted Henchcliffe with two air pistols and raised concerns due to a past incident involving him.
As Henchcliffe approached the car they were in, he pointed one of the pistols at Poole’s face, causing her extreme distress. The victim expressed that she believed she was going to be killed as the guns appeared realistic, and she was unsure if they were loaded. The fear experienced during the incident exacerbated her existing heart condition and led to a severe panic attack. Subsequently, the police confiscated the air pistols – a Cybergun Swiss Arms P92 and a Webley Nemesis 22″ – from Henchcliffe’s residence. The court noted that the guns were found with pellets, amplifying the seriousness of the situation.
During police interviews, Henchcliffe disclosed his long-standing interest in firearms and attributed the incident to a moment of recklessness. His defence lawyer, Matthew Simpson, highlighted that Henchcliffe understood the air pistol was not functional and lacked ammunition. The court considered Henchcliffe’s age, emotional vulnerability following the sudden loss of his father, and underlying mental health issues, including a probable ADHD diagnosis and depressive episode. Ultimately, His Honour Niclas Parry opted to suspend Henchcliffe’s two-year jail sentence for two years.
As part of his sentencing, Henchcliffe was ordered to undertake 300 hours of community service, commit to a 20-day rehabilitation programme, and undergo a 12-month mental health intervention. Additionally, he was issued a restraining order barring him from approaching Poole and Clinton for three years. The judge emphasised the lasting impact of Henchcliffe’s actions on the victim, acknowledging the traumatic experience she endured. The community WhatsApp group set up by WalesOnline offers subscribers a convenient platform to access breaking news and critical updates in real-time.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of irresponsible and reckless behaviour, especially in possession of imitation firearms. The court proceedings underscore the importance of addressing underlying mental health issues and providing appropriate support to prevent similar incidents in the future. Henchcliffe’s case highlights the complexities surrounding family disputes and the ripple effects that can result from unresolved conflicts. The judge’s decision to suspend the jail sentence demonstrates a commitment to rehabilitation and addressing the root causes of the defendant’s actions.