Swindon man, Dean Snarey, aged 43 and of Burns Way, Upper Stratton, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison following his conviction for blackmail and possession of an imitation firearm with ammunition.
The sentencing, which took place at Swindon Crown Court on 25th October, followed a guilty verdict rendered in May after a trial.
The incident, which occurred on 6th October 2023, began when Snarey arrived at a nearby property on Burns Way between 8:40 am and 9:40 am, demanding money from the occupants. When they refused, he damaged the door, trapping them inside. Later that day, Snarey returned to the property wearing a clown mask and brandishing a firearm, issuing threats to shoot. The firearm was discharged, and a pellet casing was later discovered at the scene.
Although Snarey admitted to possessing live ammunition, he denied possessing a firearm or committing blackmail. Nonetheless, the court found him guilty on all counts. In a statement read during sentencing, one of Snarey’s victims recounted the lasting impact of the incident: “I always feel like I am living in fear and don’t want to leave the house as I think it’s not worth the risk… The fact his house is so near us and that the incident took place outside my house means I am constantly reminded of the trauma.”
Catherine Baird, Complex Crime Investigator, commended the victims and witnesses for their resilience in bringing the case to a conclusion. “I would like to thank the victims and witnesses who worked with us to safeguard the community from further offences from Snarey. This case has seen cancellations, adjournments, and delays, and they were all committed to seeing it through to a conclusion,” she said.
Baird emphasised the serious stance taken by Wiltshire Police in cases such as this: “There is no place in Swindon, or anywhere else in Wiltshire, for incidents like these. We will continue to work hard to ensure the town remains a safe place for everyone.”
The sentencing marks a notable outcome in the fight against serious crime in Swindon, reaffirming the police’s commitment to safeguarding the community.
