Teenager made 'gun' claim, magistrates told

Worthing magistrates heard armed officers were called to Mendip Road after John Waugh, 19, shut himself in the house on Saturday afternoon.

The court was told a mother telephoned police to say her daughter was inside with him, but when officers arrived and tried to speak to Waugh, he told them he had a gun and threatened to shoot.

He later walked out of the house and no gun was found. The girl was taken to safety.

Waugh, of Mendip Road, appeared before Worthing Magistrates on Tuesday afternoon charged with making threats to kill. He was remanded in custody. As he was led away, he broke down in tears and head-butted the dock's glass screen.

After making an application to adjourn the case, Catherine Green, prosecuting, said two police officers arrived, knocked on the door and told Waugh they wanted to speak to the girl. They heard someone running behind the door and heard Waugh shout he had a gun and was not coming out.

According to Ms Green, police officers said Waugh sounded distressed and they were concerned about the girl. Police began to move people away from the area and seal off the road.

She said there was a window open and Waugh was heard to shout out: "I have a shooter and I will shoot you." Minutes later, Waugh came out of the house. No gun was found.

The court was told Waugh lived in Mendip Road with his family, but on that day, June 5, his family moved out to live in Portsmouth. Waugh decided to stay in the house with friends.

Magistrates were told he is on anti-depressants but had not taken them that day and panicked when the police turned up.

It was also revealed in court he had failed to turn up at court on May 26, and a warrant was issued.

He was due to appear because he had pleaded guilty, on April 30, to criminal damage.

Waugh had also breached an 18-month community rehabilitation order, given to him in November last year for three counts of criminal damage, burglary with intent and assault.

Waugh was also due in court on June 2 because he was charged with assault, but his defence solicitor said he did not appear because he had spent two months in bed trying to get off drugs.

Waugh was remanded in custody until June 14.