A man who sparked a police operation at Merewether and caused serious concerns for community safety when he was allegedly seen brandishing what turned out to be a fake gun has been refused bail.
About 11.45am on Friday, Newcastle police were called to a unit block on Watkins Street at Merewether on reports a man had been seen with a firearm.
Officers established a perimeter before arresting 33-year-old David Benson on Helen Street.
During the arrest, officers allegedly found and seized an imitation firearm for forensic examination before Benson was taken to Newcastle Police Station and charged with possession of an unauthorised pistol.
Benson was refused bail on Saturday. Police prosecutor Sergeant McIlveen alleged Benson made a "well-aimed shot" and raised the firearm causing concerns for community safety.
The court heard Benson has a history of violence with intimidation, assault, shoplifting, fraud-related matters, non-compliance with court orders and had previously breached his bail for unrelated matters.
Benson's solicitor admitted his record "did not assist him", but argued there had been a "gap" in his offending and said he has been compliant with his parole.
The court heard Benson had been diagnosed with anxiety and depression, was not taking medication and had been homeless for about a month.
The judge said Benson's record was "not enviable".
"The offence before the court is quite a serious matter, even though it was an imitation firearm, it utilised significant resources by police to arrest the defendant," the judge said.
Bail was refused and Benson will face Newcastle Local Court on July 23.
