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Exeter student faces jail over fake gun threats

He’s been told to expect a custodial sentence


An Exeter student who threatened students with a fake gun on campus has been told he faces being jailed.

Post-graduate Yihe Xiong was charged with threatening students with a fake gun, which was later confirmed to be a metal replica or blank-firing handgun.

He admitted possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence at Exeter Crown and County Court.

The sentencing was adjourned until Tuesday so a pre-sentence report could be carried out. Judge Peter Johnson warned Xiong: "This is a very serious matter. You should put your affairs in order and come on Tuesday expecting a custodial sentence."

Yihe Xiong, from China, was arrested on June 19th after making threats towards students and waving a gun around in the Amory building.

This sparked an armed police response and the campus was evacuated.

Eyewitnesses described seeing police armed with guns and riot shields.

The weapon was confirmed to be a replica and was not loaded. Campus was reopened shortly and the police stated that there were "no reported injuries".

Featured Image via: BBC News

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