A MALVERN man wanted on firearms charges was arrested at Worcester county court after he rang police to tell them where he was, a court was told.

Richard Smith, aged 25, of Archer Close, was remanded in custody by Worcester magistrates when he was brought before the court on three charges. He was alleged to have possessed an imitation firearm and committed common assault and criminal damage in an incident in Gloucester Close, Malvern, on August 3. He was refused bail.

A further application for bail was made by Graham McGrath on his behalf at Worcester Crown Court.

Smith was not in court to hear it refused by Judge Robert Juckes QC.

Prosecutor Jonathan Barker said Smith had gone to an address in Malvern with another man who wanted to collect a drug debt.

In a confrontation, it was alleged that a woman was hit with a hammer and threatened with a gun.

Windows in her car were smashed.

Mr McGrath said accounts of the incident had been exaggerated. Smith had been co-operative and frank with police and had made efforts to surrender.

He and another man, Adam Murray, aged 18, of Bray Avenue, Ledbury – who has been charged with possessing an imitation firearm, assault and criminal damage in connection with the incident – are in cu