IRD gunman remanded

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A staff member who approached a man standing outside Christchurch's Inland Revenue (IRD) office thought he was holding a pistol, a court was told yesterday.

Terry Ian James, 54, a labourer, pleaded guilty in the Christchurch District Court to unlawful possession of a firearm and driving while disqualified.

Police prosecutor Sergeant Paul Scott said on September 24 James stood outside the IRD offices holding the gun and was seen to cock the weapon.

An IRD employee asked him what he had in his hands and what he was doing.

James got back into his car and drove off. Police later discovered it was a pellet gun.

He was remanded on bail until March 22.