A MAN caught with a fake pistol stuck together with duct tape in Tamworth has pleaded guilty to all charges.
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Tyrone Langman, 21, had a change of heart about entering residential rehabilitation program Balund-a, as he sat in the dock of Tamworth Local Court..
A woman known to Langman sat in the gallery crying and waving to try to get his attention when Magistrate Julie Soars asked if he had an interest in being assessed for the program.
Defence solicitor Charlotte Pascall told the court her client would like to participate in the program.
"My client has indicated a change of heart in relation to Balund-a," she said.
Langman pleaded guilty to one charge of destroying property; contravention of an AVO; police pursuit; driving while never being licensed; possessing ammunition and a fake pistol.
Police prosecutor Sergeant Rob Baillie handed up the facts and evidence in the matter, but Ms Soars reminded legal representatives that the Balund-a program is not for drugs.
"We've received information to emphasise it's not a drug rehabilitation, it's a diversion for Indigenous persons," she said.
"The Balund-a assessment is a three week assessment."
Langman's co-accused, Sam Atwell, is yet to enter pleas to any of the eight charges against him, after also fronting court.
Those include two charges of possessing ammunition without a licence; possessing an unauthorised pistol; three counts of entering enclosed lands without a lawful excuse; possessing an unregistered firearm; and not keeping a firearm safely.
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Police claim the 20-year-old was found hiding in a backyard after he allegedly jumped several fences.
The two men were arrested as part of Strike Force Rapidus, a police operation that sees officers from multiple units swarm areas of Tamworth.
Langman will return to court in September after he is assessed for the Balund-a program, where Ms Soars will make a final determination. He remains bail refused.
Atwell, who had his bail continued, returns to court at the end of September to enter pleas.