Copthorne Shooting

1 April 2011, 18:45

A man who was shot by police after they responded to calls saying he was threatening his wife was sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison on Friday for possessing an imitation firearm, police said.

Armed officers were sent to Ian Cogger's three-bedroom detached home after his wife dialled 999 at 10pm on November 8 last year.

Neighbours reported hearing several loud bangs before Cogger was led 55 minutes later to an ambulance outside their home in Borers Arms Road, Copthorne, West Sussex.

He was admitted to the New East Surrey Hospital in Redhill, Surrey, suffering an injury to his hand and wrist and was then transferred to a hospital in south-west London.

His wife was led from the house and the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) launched an inquiry into the actions of the officers after it was confirmed police had opened fire.

Cogger pleaded guilty to two offences of possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence when he appeared in court in February.

Appearing at Hove Crown Court today, he was sentenced to two-and-a-half years on each count, to run concurrently, a spokesman for Sussex Police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles said: ``Ian Cogger made threats to a number of people with firearms which it turns out were decommissioned.

``Making threats with guns is a matter which will always be treated seriously by the police service. This case is no exception.

``Ian Cogger was shot by a police officer only after he had raised a weapon in his direction and ready to fire.

``Ian Cogger himself readily accepts that he is lucky to be alive.''