A GLUE sniffer terrified staff at an advice centre when he fired a gun, a court heard.

Andrew Lawson, 20, pointed the weapon at a woman helper's head at the First Stop Centre, in Darlington, and pulled the trigger before anyone realised it was a cap gun.

He told police it was just a joke, but it left staff shocked and distressed, said Martin Towers, prosecuting, at Teesside Crown Court yesterday.

Lawson, of Park Lane, Darlington, admitted causing an affray at the centre on May 23. He also pleaded guilty to a burglary at his grandmother's Darlington home on May 1 when he stole £10 and a necklace of great sentimental value.

The court heard that Lawson also admitted three breaches of an order restraining him from contacting his mother and harassing her.

Rod Hunt, mitigating, said Lawson fired the gun to demonstrate that it was a toy and his judgement was clouded by his solvent abuse.

Mr Hunt said: "Lawson took the necklace back to his grandmother the next day and says he will cause no more problems for his family."

Judge Michael Cartlidge jailed Lawson for 14 months.