A teenager who brandished a realistic imitation handgun in the street to scare a father and son has been spared a custodial sentence.

Troy Mackrell, 19, was disarmed and knocked unconscious after hitting Kevin Snowball with the gas-powered BB gun and driving straight at Mr Snowball’s father, forcing him to jump clear of the vehicle, during a confrontation in Yew Tree Close, Shipley, on April 3.

Mackrell, who had an interest in guns and had wanted to join the Army, bought the imitation firearm for £190 from a car boot sale, Bradford Crown Court heard yesterday. He had previously used it just once in woodland.

Mackrell admitted possession of the gun with intent to cause fear of violence, assaulting Kevin Snowball, dangerous driving and driving without a licence or insurance.

The court was told that Mackrell drove to a party to confront Mr Snowball and his father because of a dispute involving them and a friend of his.

Mackrell, of Lakeside Chase, Leeds, suffered a hairline fracture to his cheekbone when he was knocked out in the fracas.

His barrister, Shufqat Khan, said he had little or no recollection of what happened when he got out of the car that night. He did not deliberately bring the weapon with him, it was already in the car.

Mackrell was of good character and intended to move to work as a vehicle maintenance engineer.

Judge Scott Wolstenholme said it was just possible not to sentence Mackrell to custody.

It was a one-off incident and he had made a stupid mistake.

Mackrell was sentenced to a 12- month community order with 150 hours’ unpaid work and banned from driving for 18 months.