Jail for man who threatened to shoot his own mother in the head with an air pistol in Cambridge

A 32-year-old who threatened to shoot his mother in the head with an air pistol has been jailed for more than two years.

Brett Yarrow argued with her at their home in Shelly Garden, Cambridge, on May 21, 2020.

When he went outside, his mum locked the back door, so he kicked the side gate off its hinges to get around to the front of the house.

When a neighbour heard the commotion and came outside, Yarrow was abusive to her and told her he was going to shoot his mother in the head.

He then pulled out the air pistol - which his neighbour believed to be a real gun - from his right pocket and repeated the threat again. Yarrow fired a dart from the gun into a fence.

Police were called and Yarrow was arrested.

While he initially denied wrongdoing, he pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause violence on the day his trial was due to start.

Yarrow was handed two years and three months in prison at Peterborough Crown Court on Tuesday (April 5). He was given a restraining order, to run indefinitely, preventing him from contacting his mother.

Det Con Dan Harper, who investigated, said: “This was a terrifying experience for a woman in her own home and for the neighbour who bravely tried to intervene.

“I cannot comprehend how someone could threaten to inflict such horrific injuries on their own mother for no real reason. However, I am pleased Yarrow has now been brought to justice.

“This case highlights that domestic abuse comes in many different forms but shows our complete commitment to safeguarding all victims and bringing offenders to court.”

For more information on domestic abuse, the signs to look out for and support available, visit the force’s dedicated web page.

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