A TEENAGER took the law into his own hands when a customer drove off without paying for fuel at his father's petrol station by allegedly produced an imitation firearm in a bid to make him return and pay.

Nowmaan Farooq, 19, of Hartley Street, Nelson, denies a charge of possession of an imitation firearm, a 0.177 calibre pistol, with intent to cause Mark David Fleming fear unlawful violence would be used against him.

Roger Green, prosecuting, told the jury at Preston Crown Court, that Farooq and his father were working at a self-service petrol station in Accrington Road, Burnley.

He said Mr Fleming pulled up in a Red Vauxhall Nova and put £20 worth of petrol in his car but drove off from the forecourt with paying. As a result, the defendant came out and got into his car and followed Mr Fleming.

In Owen Street. Farooq prevented Mr Fleming from proceeding any further and he came to a halt.

He went over and pointed the imitation gun at Mr Fleming saying:"Do as I say. I've shot people before now. I know how to use this."

Mr Green said fortunately the imitation gun had been pointed straight at Mr Fleming who got into Farooq's car and they went back to the garage.

The police were alerted by people who had seen the gun being pointed and there was an armed police response and both men were arrested.

Farooq admitted he was "a bit upset" about the driver not paying for the petrol and it happened in the heat of the moment.

He denied deliberately blocking Mr Fleming's car, and said he picked up the gun from under the car seat when he saw him reach for something.

(Proceeding)