Prankster went for a pizza with an assault rifle
A scientist sparked a massive police alert after he wandered into his pizza parlour carrying an imitation assault rifle, a court heard.
Armed officers were scrambled to Mister Pumpernink on Holland Park Avenue, Notting Hill, after customers reported a diner, dressed in full body armour with a weapon by his side.
Postdoctoral cell biology expert John-Patrick Alao, 48, was carrying what appeared to
be a Heckler & Koch ‘model G36C’ assault rife, Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard.
He was told to drop the weapon and arrested. The gun turned out to be a harmless electric powered airsoft gun.
Alao appeared in court today (weds) dressed in a grey hoodie and black jeans and spoke to confirm his name, date of birth, and address, before apologising for his actions.
Representing himself he looked downwards and said: ‘I’d just like to apologise again for what I’ve done.’
Matt Barrowcliffe, prosecuting, said: ‘On 5 July last year just before ten in the morning, armed police were called to Mister Pumpernink cafe, this defendant was sitting there eating breakfast.
‘Officers saw this defendant wearing body armour with what appeared to be a German manufactured Heckler & Kock model G36C.’
He said the weapon was analysed and found to be an imitation firearm.
District Judge Jonas told Alao: ‘I accept the fact that you are remorseful and I suspect that with the benefit of hindsight you realise that in this modern age being seen with what looked like a weapon could frighten a lot of people.’
Alao, of Clarendon Road, Notting Hill, admitted possessing an imitation firearm in a public place contrary to the Firearms Act 1968.
He was sentenced to a 12-month community order with a 30-day rehabilitation requirement and ordered to complete 40 hours of unpaid work.
He was also dictated to pay a total of £180 in compensation and costs.
According to an online post, Alao has taught postgraduate programs at the University of East London and has technical expertise in the disciplines of molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology.
ENDS
