Police were called to a north school after a pupil showed his classmates his James Bond style replica pistol.
The German made weapon – similar to the Walther PPK used by 007 – was brought to Kingussie High School on March 5 this year by 16 year old Shawn Doherty.
One pupil was so concerned by the realistic looking gas-powered gun that he reported it to the head teacher, Inverness Justice of the Peace Court was told today.
Doherty, of Glenmore, Aviemore, admitted illegal possession of the weapon being a person under 18,
Fiscal depute Fraser Matheson told magistrate Alistair Grant JP that the head teacher of the school was informed by a fourth year pupil that Doherty was showing off the .177 calibre high-powered firearm to other boys.
He said the head teacher and his deputy went to the classroom and escorted him from the room and he showed them the gun in his bag.
Doherty said it was loaded but the safety catch was on.
Mr Matheson added: “It was taken from him and kept in the head teacher’s office and the police were called. Firearms officers confirmed it was an air pistol. The gun has now been forfeited.”
Solicitor Duncan Henderson told the court that the gun was never fired in school.
He asked Mr Grant to defer sentence and suspend recording of the conviction in the hope that at the end of a 12 month deferral, an absolute discharge might be considered by the court.
However this was rejected by the magistrate because of “the gravity of the offence.”
Sentencing Docherty to a 12 month community payback order with supervision by social workers, Mr Grant told Doherty: “I hope you appreciate the gravity of the charge and I hope you reflect on what happened and a similar thing like this will not be repeated in later life.”