A MAN has been jailed after he was arrested by armed police for pointing an imitation gun in the face of a hospital porter at Bradford Royal Infirmary.

Adil Akksar demanded: “Give me a f***ing X-ray now,” after turning up at the hospital at 1.30pm on October 17 last year, Bradford Crown Court heard today.

The porter thought he was going to be shot dead and other staff were left petrified, prosecutor James Lake said.

Akksar, 27, of Cleveland Road, Manningham, Bradford, pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm, namely a gas-powered BB gun, with intent to cause fear of violence.

He was imprisoned for 14 months by Recorder Peter Hampton who said hospital staff should feel safe and protected at work.

Mr Lake said Akksar walked through the accident and emergency department to the X-ray area but was escorted out by staff because he did not have an appointment.

He returned to the X-ray department waiting area, drew the gun from his pocket and pointed it in the hospital porter’s face. He then turned it towards his own head before pointing it back at his victim.

“The man thought he was going to be shot and killed,” Mr Lake said.

He managed to lock himself in a room with other staff members who were “petrified.”

Security officers managed to talk Akksar into handing over the gun and he was apprehended at the hospital by armed police.

A box of ball bearings was found and the BB gun recovered.

Akksar made no comment when he was questioned by the police.

The court heard that the porter was left very shaken and feeling lucky to be alive.

In mitigation, it was said that Akksar was deeply remorseful and realised the impact his actions must have had on the staff.

He had no previous convictions and wished to apologise in person for what he had done.

A psychiatric report set out that he had been ill since his teenage years, with his mental health problems aggravated by cannabis use.

He had been held in custody on remand since committing the offence during the period when the prison was on Covid-19 lockdown.

Akksar was now drug free and keen to lead a full life in the community. His family would welcome him home on his release, the court was told.

Recorder Hampton acknowledged that Akksar had battled mental health problems for many years and that he was very remorseful.

But only an immediate prison sentence met the seriousness of the case.