A couple were left terrified when a man they gave sanctuary to pulled out a gun, Lincoln Crown Court was told.
Sam Walker knocked at the door of the couple’s home in Holbeach St Johns at 6 am asking for and saying he was being chased by dogs.
Chris Gabbitas, prosecuting, said Walker, who was soaking wet, was allowed into the living room while police were called.
“As the woman contacted police the defendant went down on his hands and knees and pulled out a gun.”
The woman, who was speaking to the operator, shouted out: “Oh my God, he’s got a gun,” believing the weapon was real and Walker was about to use it.
Moments later the woman’s husband came into the room and persuaded Walker to place the gun onto a tea towel and it was then put in the microwave until police arrived.
After Walker was detained his car was found nearby with the engine still running and the lights on.
He said he had abandoned it after hearing a ticking noise and he feared a bomb was about to go off.
Two more replica guns were found inside the car along with a large hunting knife.
Mr Gabbitas said that Walker was subsequently taken to hospital where he was assessed by the mental health duty team.
When he was eventually fit enough to be interviewed he said he had taken illicit drugs and a legal high which had a bad effect on him, causing hallucinations.
Walker (21), of Nealsgate Road, Holbeach St Johns, admitted three charges of possession of an imitation firearm and possession of a bladed article as a result of the incident on October 17.
He was given a 12 month jail sentence suspended for two years and ordered to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
Judge Michael Heath told him: “By your own account you were frightened for your life and developed a psychotic disorder.
“The fact that you had taken drugs does you no credit whatsoever.”
Alistair Munt, defending, said Walker was genuinely scared for his life.
He said a psychiatrist assessed his client as at low risk of reoffending as long as he stayed away from drugs.
He said Walker had learned his lesson from the incident and was sorry for what he did.