A passing motorist alerted police after seeing a man brandish a ‘gun’ outside social work offices.
Officers raced to the scene only to learn that the ‘weapon’ was a toy James Rundell had bought for his nephew.
That didn’t prevent Rundell, 23, from getting a 22-month jail sentence at Hamilton Sheriff Court.
He admitted acting aggressively and erratically while brandishing the BB gun at and outside Regent House, Hamilton, on December 4.
Rundell, who has a history of offending, was the subject of seven bail orders at the time.
Lewis Devoy, prosecuting, said Rundell was “upset and agitated” when he arrived at the council offices in High Patrick Street to see a social worker.
While waiting, he approached the counter and opened a box containing a blue gun and pellets.
The staff believed this to be a toy and the Crown accepted that Rundell was merely showing it off.
Mr Devoy told the court: “Still waiting to see a social worker, the accused went outside. A woman driving past saw him brandishing the gun at shoulder height, his arms in a shooting position.
“She was very frightened by this and saw Rundell place the gun inside his jacket and re-enter the council offices.”
Police were alerted but when officers arrived staff told them the gun looked like a toy.
Rundell was arrested in Low Waters Road, still in possession of the ‘gun’.
Defence lawyer Eddie Robertson said Rundell has mental health issues.
The solicitor stated: “This was a gun he bought for less than £20 for his nephew.
“When he went outside the social work office he used a wall for target practice.
“It does look like a real gun but he had no intention of causing harm or distress.”
The 22-month jail stretch was backdated as Rundell has been in custody since his arrest in December.
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