A man who imitated he was going to shoot a roads policing officer on the M1 motorway has been jailed
Steven Trevor Nelson, 35, was wandering along the M1 motorway around 9am on 23 March.
Police deployed to the M1 motorway after receiving calls to what was believed to be a man in distress.
After closing the stretch of road, the officer approached Nelson to offer help.
Within seconds, Nelson pulled out what was believed at the time to be a firearm, before pointing it at the officer. The officer withdrew to his car and called for armed colleagues to assist.
Armed colleagues were again met with a hostile and threatening Nelson, who pointed what is now known to be a piece of aluminium towards officers.
Officers immediately arrested Nelson, where he was taken to custody.
During the journey, he continued with his desire to cause harm to officers by spitting and attempting to bite police in the back of a police car.
On 19 October, Nelson, of no fixed abode, appeared before Sheffield Crown Court for sentencing after pleading guilty to charges of possession of an imitation firearm to cause fear of violence and assault on an emergency worker.
He was sentenced to 14 months in total – 12 months for firearm offences, and two months, to be served consecutively for assault on an emergency worker. He was also ordered to pay a £187 victim surcharge.
Chief Superintendent of the Operational Support Unit Cherie Buttle said: “This is a poignant reflection of how selfless our officers are. The officer subjected to fear was trying to provide help to a man he believed to be in crisis.
“During his interviews Nelson showed no remorse for his actions, or what his true intentions were.
“Our officers work as a team, supporting each other on the frontline as well as emotionally, with colleagues immediately responding to the officer’s request for help, during which two more officers were assaulted.
“We are thankful that the majority of the public are supportive of our officers and their actions, and I hope that the sentencing of Nelson sends a strong message to those who have a lack of respect that it will not be tolerated. We’re human too.”
