An Angus man brought a busy train station to a standstill when he held a traveller at gunpoint and demanded a cigarette from him.
Kevin Ross pulled a fake air pistol on the Spanish national at Arbroath train station as commuters were heading home on a Friday night.
The scene was swiftly closed down by police, who cordoned off Keptie Street and used sniffer dogs to comb the area on March 11.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, Police Scotland confirmed a cordon and road closures had been put in place in the Robert Street area, with specialist officers assisting local units.
They described the incident as having been brought to a “safe conclusion”.
Ross, who is on remand at Perth over the incident, appeared at Forfar Sheriff Court and admitted an indictment alleging the presentation of an air pistol to Andreas Giallombardo with intent to rob him, and the unlawful possession of a pistol in a public place.
The 43-year-old, from Arbroath, appeared on petition on March 14 and was later ordered to undertake a mental assessment due to his state of mind.
His solicitor said Ross’ mental health had improved, and added: “I am now in the position to tender pleas, and in the circumstances would ask for the assessment order to be discharged.
“He’s not previously served a custodial sentence.”
Ross, from Arbroath, admitted assaulting Mr Giallombardo, presenting an imitation pistol at him, threatening to shoot him, and demanding a cigarette from him, with intent to rob him.
He further admitted having an imitation firearm without lawful authority or reasonable excuse.
His not guilty pleas to having the intention of making Mr Giallombardo believe unlawful violence would be used against him, possessing a firearm with intent to commit assault and robbery, and threatening to kill Sergeant Andrew Sheppard at Arbroath Police Station were accepted by the Crown.
Fiscal depute Bill Kermode made a Crown motion for the forfeiture of the air pistol, which was not opposed.
Sheriff Pino Di Emidio deferred sentence to August 3 for the preparation of criminal justice social work reports, and Ross was remanded.
