Armed man sentenced for targeting a nail salon

A man who walked into a nail salon with an imitation handgun was sentenced when he appeared at Guildford Crown Court last Wednesday (15 November).

On 24 June 2023, Viet Nguyen, 32, (DOB: 07.06.1991), from Staines-Upon-Thames, walked into Pretty Nails, 7 Church Street, Staines where he produced what was believed to be a silver handgun from a bag around his chest.

Whilst in the store Nguyen pointed the imitation gun at a member of staff whilst shouting in Vietnamese. The suspect then tried to grab the member of staff, however he was held back by other staff members.

Officers quickly attended the scene and launched an extensive investigation which led to the arrest of Nguyen later that day.

Nguyen later plead guilty to possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, possession of an offensive weapon, possession of a bladed article, possession of an offensive weapon in a private dwelling and possession of a controlled substance, Class B cannabis.

On 15 November, he was sentenced to 18 months, suspended for two years for possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, with 20 days Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and 150 hours of unpaid work, as well as four months concurrent, suspended for two years, for possession of a bladed article.

An order for deprivation of the weapons and destruction of drugs was also ordered.