Bacup man jailed after threatening partner with 'gun' and ramming her car

BACUP MAN JAILED AFTER THREATENING PARTNER WITH 'GUN' AND RAMMING HER CAR

A man who thought his girlfriend was cheating on him and threatened her with a ‘gun’ before ramming her car has been jailed.

Connor Gilbertson, 28, of Dale Street, Bacup, appeared in Preston Crown Court on Monday, May 22, having pleaded guilty to careless driving, destroying property, possession of an offensive weapon with intent of causing fear or violence, and sending malicious communications.

Prosecutor Katherine Wright stated that on October 30, Gilbertson and his then-partner were both out when exchanging messages, each suspecting the other of infidelity.

Gilbertson threatened the woman, sending Snapchat images of a gun, claiming he would shoot her and burn her parents’ house down, and said he was on his way to her house.

The woman found Gilbertson in her driveway.

He approached her car with a firearm—later identified as an air pistol that looked like a real gun—and she got out in fear.

Gilbertson then rammed her car, and again approached her vehicle, but could not cause damage as she was in front of it.

He left but returned shortly after.

When arrested, the air pistol was recovered, and it was noted to resemble a real gun.

The victim stated she never thought Gilbertson capable of his actions and now struggles with fear and sleeplessness.

She has spent over £5,000 replacing her damaged car.

During sentencing, Gilbertson was jailed for 20 months, banned from driving for nine months, and received a five-year restraining order.

The court noted his prior remand, mental health efforts, and support letters, but highlighted the severity of his threats and actions.