Arrest over fake call about gunman

MAJOR DISRUPTION: Courtgoers wait outside Masterton District Court as an armed police officer exits after a thorough sweep of the building.

A man has been arrested and charged with making a fictitious call about a gunman in Masterton District Court.

The call caused the court to be evacuated for an hour, with some members of the public held in lockdown in the court chambers and other rooms.

Armed police checked the building thoroughly.

A short time later a man was escorted by police through the building to the police station.

Senior Sergeant Jymahl Glassey said nothing was found during the search.

"It was reported by a member of the public there was a male with a gun concealed on him," said Mr Glassey. "We determined that it wasn't correct.

"The courtroom was searched.

"A couple of people were spoken to."

Later in the day, a 36-year-old Martinborough man was arrested and appeared in court.

Shannon Hoani Martin appeared before the registrar facing two charges, one of using a cellphone stating there was a man in Masterton District Court with a gun, knowing it was fictitious, and another of using a telecommunication device to alarm and frighten.

Martin, represented by James Elliott, entered no plea and was remanded on bail to reappear on February 16 to plead to the charges.