A FORMER medical student shot a man after an argument erupted about wearing a mask during the covid pandemic, a court heard.

Jamal Abdi was dragged from his car by armed police officers after a drive-by shooting involving a BB gun in Southampton.

The 26-year-old fired between three and four shots from the imitation firearm at local man Stephan Reynolds.

His victim had challenged him for not wearing a mask inside the Shirley Post Office in Shirley Avenue.

Prosecution barrister, Timothy Moores, told how the defendant said: “I do not have to, “ and that Mr Reynolds “did not know what he was talking about”.

When Mr Reynolds walked outside he saw a silver Mercedes manoeuvre out of Vincent Road and drive down Shirley Avenue towards him,

Mr Moores said how Abdi, who was driving the car, then pointed what was a BB gun at Mr Reynolds.

Mr Reynolds said that he could not believe what was happening and at the time feared for his life.

An armed police armed unit later traced the Mercedes to Nelson Road in Poole.

Officers threatened to smash the car windows and dragged Abdi from his seat after spotting an imitation submachine gun in the footwell.

Appearing before Southampton Crown Court, Abdi of Soberton Road, Bournemouth, was charged with possessing an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and two counts of possessing an imitation firearm.

He previously pleaded guilty to the incident which happened on September 23 last year.

The court heard how in 2019, he was caught speeding and was found in possession of cocaine and a knuckleduster.

Defending, Johan Grefstad, described his client as a highly intelligent and motivated young man.

The court heard how Abdi went to medical school for his undergraduate degree and then did a postgrad course.

He added: “He has explained to me that he acquired the items from his girlfriend a few days earlier. They went shooting with these items in a park.”

Judge Gary Burrell QC jailed him for 12-months, suspended for two years.

He must pay Mr Reynolds £500 in compensation, complete 35 rehabilitation activity days and 200 hours in unpaid work.