ARMED police officers were called to a flat after a report that a man had been waving a gun in the street.
But what Mark Millward, 33, was brandishing was a replica toy bought for his eight-year-old nephew.
Newcastle Crown Court heard how Millward was followed home by a passer-by.
The man called the police who sent an armed response unit to St Mark's Way, Laygate, South Shields, South Tyneside, where Millward could be seen at the window with the weapon.
Stephen Duffield, prosecuting, said: "He produced a magazine and showed it to the officers then loaded it into the bottom of the pistol."
Millward was eventually persuaded to give himself up.
Judge Esmond Faulks sentenced Millward, who has learning difficulties, to a community rehabilitation order for two years.
Peter Shofield, defending, said Millward had no intention of hurting anyone and was sorry for causing trouble.
Millward pleaded guilty to possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence.
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