A disgruntled supermarket employee handed a bullet to his former line manager during the meeting which had been convened to sack him.
David Jones’ behaviour caused so much alarm staff at the Tesco store in Perth called in the police to report him.
Perth Sheriff Court was told Jones knew he was going to be fired and warned beforehand that he had “a special present” for his former boss.
Jones, 59, of Grampian Court, Perth, admitted causing fear or alarm in Tesco by presenting Carl Sarrou with a bullet on September 30.
He also admitted having prohibited ammunition and being found with an air weapon at his home the following day.
Depute fiscal Mairi Graham said: “He was employed as a customer service assistant at Tesco and they were his line managers.
“The accused and Mr Sarrou were both previously members of the armed forces.
“He attended for a meeting at which he was to be dismissed and he was fully aware that was the purpose.
“Prior to the meeting commencing he stated he had a special present for Mr Sarrou which he said he was giving him at the end of the meeting. He placed a bullet in his hand and said words along the lines of ‘I’ve had this 30 years and I’ve got more buried in the garden’.”
Jones told police he did not intend to threaten or harm anyone but he could understand why people might have been alarmed.
He said he believed that because Mr Sarrou was formerly in the armed forces that he would appreciate being given a bullet as a parting gift.
Sheriff William Wood deferred sentence for reports.
