An incident involving an imitation firearm at Cardiff Central railway station has resulted in a suspended prison sentence for a local man who claimed to be in fear for his safety, according to details heard in Cardiff Crown Court.
Benjamin Stockham, aged 45 and residing at West Lee, Riverside, Cardiff, approached two security guards on the evening of 3 July last year in a noticeably distressed and unsettled state. The episode, which unfolded at one of Wales’ busiest transport hubs, has raised questions about safety and the growing concerns around mental health struggles in public places.
Stockham informed the security personnel that he was in urgent need of protection, alleging that a county lines drug gang had commandeered his home and that both he and his partner were at risk. Onlookers reported that his behaviour was erratic and he appeared paranoid, with the guards suspecting that intoxication might have exacerbated his situation.
Court reports revealed that Stockham was escorted to a private room within the station while the police were contacted. During this interaction, he reportedly grew agitated when put on the phone with authorities, ultimately leaving the room abruptly. Security footage later showed him making alarming statements about his girlfriend’s safety, stating, “If they hurt my girlfriend I’m going to kill them.”
Matters escalated as Stockham proceeded to draw what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol from his waistband. Witnesses, including a local homeless man, observed him brandishing the imitation weapon and pointing it skywards. Stockham was heard warning, “You better get the police before I harm someone, I have a gun.” Amid the commotion, he was seen heading towards the Principality Stadium, but police attending the scene were unable to locate him at that time.
Later that night, police traced Stockham to his home in the Riverside area, where they arrested him without further incident. During a search of his property, officers uncovered two BB guns, both classified as imitation firearms. However, investigators could not definitively confirm which of the seized weapons had been present at the station earlier that day.
Stockham entered a guilty plea to two counts of possessing imitation firearms with intent to cause fear of violence. It was disclosed that he has a history of ten previous convictions for offences that include common assault as well as threats to destroy or damage property. His legal representative, Nick Gedge, indicated that Stockham has been grappling with substance misuse and had been actively seeking help to address his issues.
In passing sentence, Judge Paul Hobson described Stockham’s actions as “disturbing behaviour,” yet recognised the defendant’s efforts to rebuild his life. The court decided against immediate imprisonment, instead handing Stockham an eight-month sentence, suspended for 18 months. Additionally, he must complete 150 hours of unpaid community work and participate in 15 days of rehabilitation activity.
The case underlines the complexities involved when mental health concerns, substance misuse, and public safety intersect. While the firearms in this case were determined to be non-lethal imitation guns, the distress caused to the public and staff at the busy station was significant.
Authorities continue to highlight the importance of support and intervention for those affected by drug and alcohol dependency, stressing that early engagement can prevent situations from escalating to the point of crisis. Cardiff Central station, a key transport link for the Welsh capital, remains under heightened vigilance as security personnel and local police liaise to prevent similar occurrences.
This incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of public spaces and the ongoing need for robust support networks and vigilant security measures in urban environments.