Carterton man faces firearms charges

Carterton mechanic Blair Ireland, 54, is facing a raft of firearms charges. PHOTO/FILE

A man who sparked an armed offenders callout in Carterton, after allegedly firing a rifle into the air, has been denied bail.

Carterton mechanic Blair Ireland, 54, is facing a raft of firearms charges.

These include one count of discharging a firearm with reckless disregard for safety, discharging a firearm near a house, being drunk in charge of a firearm, possessing a .44 Magnum rifle without a licence and two charges of presenting a firearm to two different people.

Police said they were called to a Carterton property about 8pm last Wednesday night following reports of a rifle being shot into the air.

The other occupants of the house left and the Wellington police armed offenders squad were deployed.

Yesterday, in Masterton District Court, Ireland's application for bail, made through his lawyer, Jock Blathwayt, was denied by Judge Barbara Morris.

Judge Morris said she was not satisfied the bail conditions suggested by Mr Blathwayt would be "sufficient to provide appropriate protection to the public".

Judge Morris remanded Ireland in custody until March 10, when he is due to enter a plea.