Couple admit Hogmanay gun rampage

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A man and his wife have admitted using air weapons to confront revellers during a Hogmanay party in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire.

The High Court in Glasgow heard James and Sandra Howat-Hurst, both 49, threatened guests at a neighbour's party in Borland House summerhouse.

They became angry when Clarissa Doig, 17, and her guests let off fireworks.

Judge Lord Malcolm deferred sentence on the Howat-Hursts for background reports and granted them bail.

The court heard how the couple phoned police to complain when Ms Doig and friends let off fireworks and began singing at the bells.

When they were told it was Hogmanay and police would not be attending, the couple armed themselves with air weapons.

Mrs Howat-Hurst took an air pistol and her husband grabbed a large air rifle with a scope attached to it.

They were captured on their own CCTV security system leaving their house.

The court was told James Howat-Hurst shouted at revellers from the fence between his property and the Doig's.

His wife later appeared in Doig's garden holding the air pistol.

Guest's panic

Mr Howat-Hurst also brandished a plastic bottle filled with methylated spirits.

When guests in the summerhouse saw the weapons they panicked.

Mr Howat-Hurst then lit the wick of the bottle of spirits and told one of the guests it was a petrol bomb.

The couple cocked their weapons and told the guests the guns were loaded.

Mr Howart-Hurst also struck one of the guests on the neck with the rifle butt before beer was thrown over him.

When police were called a cordon was thrown round the Howat-Hurst's property.

Armed officers ordered the couple out of their house and a search uncovered an air rifle with a telescopic sight and a number of air pistols.

Mr Howat-Hurst admitted committing a breach of the peace by attending a party in possession of a firearm and a bottle of methylated spirits and threatening people.

He also admitted assaulting Kiaren Black by striking him on the neck with the butt of a gun and having a firearm with intent to commit an offence.

Mrs Howat-Hurst pleaded guilty to having a firearm with intent to cause people to believe that unlawful violence would be used against them.