A widower is jailed after brandishing weapons at his family during a dispute over his deceased wife’s ashes.
Gordon said, “don’t take my wife.” His granddaughter left his place with the ashes, and he got weapons and went to confront her. People called it like a TV show, and the fight was even live on Facebook.
The fight went on for all to see. People said Gordon was acting like a “crazed lunatic”. He was supposed to enjoy retirement, but not now. The issue started when his partner left a child alone.
His granddaughter went to his home to complain. She took the urn with his dead wife’s ashes, which started a big argument, a real stand-off. Gordon drove to the pub with weapons, including a pick axe handle and a gun.
This happened in Wordsley, where he confronted his granddaughter. He pointed the weapons at her. She filmed it and put it on Facebook Live. The video showed her yelling and laughing. His grandson challenged Gordon with a baseball bat, said to be for kids.
People ushered Gordon back to his car, then he drove away from the scene. People felt intimidated by what they saw. Police found Gordon at a storage unit, where officers searched and seized the pick axe, a pistol, and two tasers, one of which looked like a phone. They found a bullet at his house.
Gordon had past convictions, but changed. This information came from the court. His past crimes were mostly in the 80s and 90s, and included dishonesty and drugs. His lawyer said Gordon worked hard, and supported local groups and charities, including a boxing club and air ambulance.
The lawyer said Gordon loved his granddaughter. He was upset about his actions, and wanted to retire. Losing his parents and wife hit him hard. His wife’s death affected him deeply. Gordon was struggling with his emotions.
His lawyer spoke about negligence related to his wife’s death, stating she was given the wrong medication. Gordon said he bought the weapons to feel safe, as someone stole thousands of pounds from him.
The lawyer said Gordon was not a gangster, but he knew people from being in the pub business. He bought a gun to protect himself. Gordon said he only wanted to scare his family, and claimed he would not use the weapons.
The judge said Gordon got angry at his house, and mentioned the gun waving at the pub. She also said Gordon could do good, as he helped others much and felt sorry. The judge added the family was close. She said the urn theft triggered him.
The judge stated his actions were excessive and wrong, adding that getting a gun was wrong. Weapons are meant to kill people, she added. Gordon admitted to the weapon charges. He was jailed for five years, on February 13.