McDonald's worker threatened with BB gun by customer angered by drive-thru queue

A McDonald's worker was threatened by an irate customer in a drive-thru queue who pulled a gun on him, a court was told.

The victim had been dealing with traffic issues outside the branch in Gateshead when the shocking incident unfolded.

Arthur Walker had tried to leave the queue, causing issues for other motorists and when the worker told him what to do he produced a realistic looking imitation firearm at the car window and threatened him.

It turned out to be a BB air gun, for which police found ammunition at the dad's home, Chronicle Live reports.

Kevin Wardlaw, prosecuting, told Newcastle Crown Court the victim "was on traffic control, making sure everything ran smoothly" on June 23 last year.

"The defendant was in his car in a queue of traffic and he decided to leave the queue and that caused issues for other traffic and the complainant.

Arthur Walker's BB gun (Newcastle Chronicle)

"The defendant took exception to being told what to do and produced a BB gun, an air weapon, and placed it to the window and made threats to the complainant, causing him some concern."

The victim said: "I come to work to protect the public and don't expect to be threatened for doing my job."

Walker, 45, of Birtley, Gateshead, was traced through his car registration and the weapon was found at his home along with plastic pellets for it.

Mr Wardlaw said: "He said it was a stupid thing to do and he expressed remorse."

Walker, 45, who has three previous convictions, pleaded guilty to possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear.

Recorder Ben Nolan QC sentenced him to 16 months suspended for two years with rehabilitation.

The judge told him: "You have teenage children and I daresay you would be dismayed if they did what you did and no doubt they will be dismayed and hugely embarrassed at knowing what you did.

"I'm satisfied you were under a good deal of stress and the reason doesn't need to be elaborated.

"This clearly crosses the custody threshold but I take the view, having regard to your plea of guilty and your remorseful attitude, I can suspend the inevitable sentence."