Gun-toting 'vigilante' jailed after converted pistol found in Wakefield home police raid
A thug pointed a gun at a man’s throat in a terrifying “vigilante” street attack on a residential street.
Thomas Stables was later found hiding another pistol at his home and during a separate incident, rammed a police vehicle while behind the wheel of a stolen car .
The 24-year-old was jailed at Leeds Crown Court to more than six years.
He admitted possessing an imitation firearm with an intent to cause a fear of violence, possessing a prohibited firearm and dangerous driving.
The court heard that the victim had been on Elm Tree Street in the Belle Vue Wakefield at around 4.30pm on April 24, 2024, when he saw a group of males approaching him, led by Stables.
Stables put a glove on, then pulled out a black pistol and put it to the terrified victim’s throat.
Another punched the victim in the stomach, before dragging him to the floor and kicking him.
Stables pushed the gun against the man’s neck again and told him he was “lucky” he did not pull the trigger.
The group began to walk away, but one then pulled a machete and was “egged on” to “chop him”. The victim ran off pursued by the thug who was swinging the large knife at him.
The victim pleaded for him to stop, shouting that there were children around, before the thug gave up the chase.
Others from the gang were arrested but Stables was not detained until May 11.
A search of his address on Esther Grove, Lupset, led to a semi-automatic blank-firing pistol that had been converted to make it a viable firearm.
There were also seven modified blank cartridges.
Stables was released on bail or under investigation, but on September 18, 2024, just after 9pm, he was seen driving a stolen Mazda 2 car in Wakefield city centre.
Two police vehicles tried to block him in on Kirkgate, but he reversed at speed and rammed into one of the vehicles before driving off at high speed.
The chase lasted for around two minutes and he reached 60mph in a 30mph zone before he abandoned the car.
He was tracked by the police helicopter to his home address where he was arrested.
Mitigating for Stables, Nathan Davies said he was still immature and was only 23 at the time.
He said he had no father figure present but had not offended in the six years prior to the gun incidents.
He said he had been working as a groundsman, but the death of his uncle led Stables onto substance abuse and a cocaine habit.
The court heard that Stables was given £200 to store the gun at his home.
Referring to the street gun attack, Judge Richard Mansell KC told Stables : “This was an appalling incident.
“You were plainly the lead offender. It all took place in broad daylight on a residential street.”
He told Stables he was required to impose a minimum five-year prison term for the gun found at his home, but gave him a total of six years and six months.
He was also banned from driving for four years and three months, and ordered to take an extended re-test.