POLICE shot a woman who was waving a replica gun because they "could not take the risk" the weapon was not real.

Christine Stafford, 49, of Heath Road, Wonford, yesterday pleaded guilty at Exeter Crown Court to possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of unlawful violence.

The Echo has previously reported how she was shot in the arm with a baton gun, which fires plastic bullets, to disarm her.

Six firearms officers swooped on the street, near Quarry Lane, on May 31, after she made an emergency call.

She had threatened to harm herself and told police that if they did not go to her house, she would go into the road and start shooting.

Detective Constable Claire Drinnan said the police's actions had been justified due to the serious nature of the offence and made a comparison with tragic incidents in the north of England including those involving fugitive gunman Raoul Moat.

She said after the hearing: "Today's conviction shows the police and justice system take these offences seriously.

"As the recently publicised gun incidents demonstrate, we have to take these types offences seriously and we hope the sentence reflects the serious nature of this incident."

Stafford had previously been charged with making a threat to kill police officers and an offence of possession of two imitation firearms.

These were a replica Baby Browning and a replica Beretta, with intent to make MPC Tony McKenzie and MPC John Lambden believe that unlawful violence would be used against them or another.

The Crown is not proceeding on the charge of making a threat to kill police and a decision about how to formally deal with it will be made at sentencing.

Prosecutor Mary McCarthy said: "The basis of the plea reflects all the facts, including the telephone call to the police that prompted the visit to her address."

Defence counsel Nicholas Bradley asked for sentencing to be adjourned for reports.

Stafford, in a smart black trouser suit and grey top, remained silent throughout proceedings.

Judge Stephen Wildblood QC released her on unconditional bail to be sentenced on a date to be set.

He said: "In asking for a presentence report, I'm not giving you any indication of the sentence you will receive. All options remain open."

Detective Constable Drinnan, of Exeter CID, and Detective Constable Mark Wadeley-Jones, both attended the hearing.

She said afterwards: "Police are trained to recognise an imitation weapon once it is in their possession.

"But you can never take a risk when you do not know that a weapon is an imitation firearm.

"This was the colour, shape and size of a real gun. Members of the public would have believed this weapon to be a real one and this was a serious incident."

Stafford was taken to hospital after the incident, in which a police helicopter was launched to provide aerial assistance to the officers working on the ground.

Neighbours returning home as the incident was unfolding were kept back from their homes until it was all over.