Gun uncovered as man picks up packet of crisp near Burnley Primary School

Published by Robert L Senior Reporter on Wednesday 5th March 2025, at 14:30hrs

A 49-year-old man has been sentenced to 17 months in prison after being caught with an imitation firearm tucked into his tracksuit bottoms near a primary school in Burnley.

Jason Gorton, of Girvan Grove, Burnley, was arrested on October 28th last year after a concerned member of the public reported seeing a man, believed to be under the influence, staggering down Cog Lane with what appeared to be a gun in his waistband. The incident occurred at approximately 3:16 pm, near Cherryfold Community Primary School, causing significant alarm to parents and the local community.

Police officers quickly responded to the report and located Gorton on Tay Street. A video released by Lancashire Constabulary shows the moment Gorton bent over to pick up a packet of crisps, revealing the imitation firearm tucked into his waistband.

He was promptly arrested.

During the arrest, Gorton became verbally abusive and threatened to headbutt and elbow the officers.

Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, Gorton was charged with possessing an imitation firearm in a public place. He pleaded guilty to the offence at Preston Crown Court.

“Gorton committed this offence close to a school around pick-up time and as a result caused unnecessary fear and concern to unsuspecting members of the public,” said a spokesperson for Lancashire Constabulary.

The incident sparked significant concern within the community, with parents expressing their anxiety about the safety of their children.

“It’s shocking to think something like this could happen so close to the school,” said one parent, who wished to remain anonymous. “The safety of our children is paramount, and it’s reassuring to know that the police acted quickly.”

Lancashire Constabulary emphasized the importance of public vigilance in reporting suspicious activity.

They praised the member of the public who initially reported the incident, stating that their prompt action helped prevent a potentially dangerous situation from escalating.

Gorton was sentenced to 17 months in prison at Preston Crown Court last month.