Spare a thought today for a young man called Glynn Sunter, of Ingrow. Following training he went out on his first night's work. He ended up sat in a car, with a work colleague, with both of them looking death in the face. Thankfully, due to teamwork, they brought the situation under control.

Mr Sunter was a probationary police officer who was on his first duty. He was with experienced officer PC John Crosland, who sitting with a double-barrelled shotgun pointed at his head.

This week the man with his finger on the trigger was given a 15-month long suspended prison sentence, convicted of five offences.

Judge Alistair McCallum praised both police officers for their bravery and said they deserved a commendation. They deserve more than that. Not only do they need protecting from people like Brian Uttley, the man with the gun, but also from the outbursts of judges.

In sentencing Uttley Judge McCallum took into account the fact that Uttley believed the gun didn't work and that he had been drinking heavily.

Not only that, in praising the officers for their bravery, Judge McCallum stated that because of the way they carried out their public duties, they avoided perhaps Uttley being damaged by any team which might have been called in to try and deal with the matter.

Justice has to be tempered with mercy. But anyone who points a gun - if it works or not - at anyone else in a threatening manner should go to jail, directly to jail, with plenty of time to reflect on their actions, assuming they are undamaged.If, however, they were 'damaged' by any team called in to deal with the matter then tough!

To officers Crosland and Sunter we add our heartiest thanks, and wish both of you and your families all the best for the future.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.