Ben Rooney
Possession of an air weapon with intent to cause fear *
Sentence
21 months imprisonment suspended for 2 years
On October 19, 2025, in Windermere Avenue, Stockton, after his brother was arrested for alleged paedophile offences ensnared by a vigilante group using a decoy, Ben Rooney, 36, received a panicked call from his mother who felt scared due to threats from the vigilante crowd outside. The group was using racial abuse, throwing things, and one had a metal pole; a fence was pulled down and someone had a cricket bat. Rooney, who had been drinking with friends, returned home, felt in fear, and came out holding an air rifle by his side to confront them in a shouting match. His cousin gave him the baton. Mobile footage showed he kept the rifle down. He stashed the weapons under his bed upon hearing police and was arrested by armed police within the hour.
Pleaded guilty to possession of an air weapon with intent to cause fear. Ordered to attend 20 rehabilitation sessions and carry out 250 hours of unpaid work. Also put under an alcohol monitoring order for 4 months. Judge noted he was intoxicated and held the rifle beyond the boundary of his house. Has prior convictions for theft, arson, handling stolen goods, and criminal damage, but kept out of trouble for 18 years. Was under the influence of cocaine and had been drinking.