A man who forced entry to a Grays home while armed with an imitation firearm has been jailed for five years and two months.

Abdi Gama, 37, of London Road, Grays, received five years for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and two years consecutively for using violence to secure entry at Basildon Crown Court on Wednesday, April 10.

He also admitted driving without a licence and insurance, failing to stop after an accident and drug driving and was banned from driving for 43 months.

Gama denied possession of drugs and putting a person in fear of violence and these counts will lie on file.

On January 25, 2019, police received reports that Gama crashed his car into a fence at Ibis Hotel in Grays and left the scene.

Gama has then kicked open a door at a property while armed with an imitation firearm.

He was then wrestled to the ground by the occupants and detained until police arrived when he was arrested at around 2am.

Officers found an imitation firearm at the property.

Detective Sergeant Natalie Roberts, of Grays Domestic Abuse Investigation Teams, said: “Gama drove to the address while under the influence of drugs and kicked open a front door while in possession an imitation firearm that looked like a handgun.

“This was a targeted attack with the aim of causing fear to the occupants. However, he was tackled by the people inside the address and was arrested.

“An imitation firearm was found inside his car and this will be destroyed.

“Gama is a dangerous and unpredictable individual who will now be locked in a prison cell for a number of years.”