October 2026

A Gateshead man caught with indecent images of children and dozens of voyeuristic videos went on to intimidate an innocent man by revealing an imitation handgun while he was on bail.

Payam Golestani, 28, of Selbourne Avenue, was jailed for 20 months at Newcastle Crown Court after admitting a string of offences.

Police raided his home in May 2024 and seized his iPhone and iPad.

The devices contained category A, B and C indecent images and videos depicting children aged between 12 and 16. Officers also found 50 voyeuristic videos of men, including footage recorded in toilet cubicles and through a hole in a wall.

But while awaiting the outcome of that investigation, Golestani committed further offences.

After his partner’s car windscreen was damaged, he approached a man inside Low Fell Fish Bar. The man, who was with his family, told him he had nothing to do with the damage.

Outside, Golestani shouted at him before lifting his top to reveal an imitation handgun tucked into his waistband. The court heard that the frightened man believed he could be shot or seriously harmed.

The confrontation was captured on the car’s dashcam. Other footage showed Golestani driving at 60mph in a 30mph zone and going through a red light. Police also found an extendable baton in his car and a large quantity of imitation firearms in his shed.

Golestani pleaded guilty to three counts of making indecent images, voyeurism, careless driving, possession of an imitation firearm and possession of an offensive weapon.

Recorder Jamie Hill sentenced him to 20 months in prison. Golestani was also placed on the sx offenders’ register for 10 years and made subject to a 10-year s*xual harm prevention order.