Man pointed 'realistic' fake gun at police in Bangor stand-off

An RAF veteran who pointed a "realistic" imitation gun at police during an incident in Bangor last weekend has appeared in court.

Shots were fired by specialist police teams after reports of a man with a firearm on the city's High Street at about 21:30 BST on Sunday evening.

Peter Donaldson, 45, of Ballyree Drive in Bangor appeared before Newtownards' Magistrates' Court, sitting in Belfast, on Saturday charged with possessing a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and assault on police.

A police officer told the court he could connect the accused to the charges.

The court heard armed officers responded to the scene on High Street after a report of a man with a firearm.

During the almost two-hour stand-off, Mr Donaldson allegedly pointed the gun, later found to be a replica which could only shoot ball bearings, towards police.

Fearing being shot, officers fired multiple rounds at the defendant, but did not hit him.

It came to an end after a police dog bit Mr Donaldson on the leg and he was disarmed.

The court also heard that during police interviews, Mr Donaldson gave a "full and frank account", and was apologetic towards those involved.

The PSNI officer told the court while they were sympathetic towards Mr Donaldson, they objected to bail due to fears of further offending and to protect the defendant.

A defence solicitor said since being discharged from the RAF in 2006, Mr Donaldson has been living in a specially adapted bungalow, and asked "for mercy".

The incident on Sunday led to Mr Donaldson spending five days in hospital, and sparked an emergency referral to a pain management team.

The judge granted bail of £400 and put in place a series of conditions.

The case was adjourned until 26 June.