A MAN aimed a rifle at an armed police officer in a so-called 'suicide by cop' attempt, a court heard.

Mark Tarling, of Elderfield Road, Bicester, appeared at Oxford Crown Court yesterday having pleaded guilty to one count of possession with intent to cause fear of violence an air rifle.

Outlining the case prosecutor Cathy Olliver said that the 42-year old had initially rang police on February 10 saying he 'had a rifle and he wanted to die'.

She added that the message given was that when police arrived he would 'aim at them and they would in turn shoot him'.

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She said: "That was his wish, to die by their hands."

When armed police officers arrived, the court heard, he was asked to put the rifle down.

Undeterred, he aimed the rifle at a police officer, and as the stand-off continued the police officer repeatedly asked that Tarling drop the rifle.

Ultimately, the court heard, he did drop what turned out to be an air rifle, which was not capable of any lethality, and he was arrested.

Tarling was 'compliant' with police after that and apologised for his actions before later admitting the offence before magistrates.

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Ms Olliver added: "His intention was to die and the officer said he seemed like a nice man who was suffering and needed help as well."

Presiding Judge Nigel Daly warned that the offence could merit a jail term but he agreed defence requests to adjourn the case for further psychiatric information to explore non custodial options.

The matter was adjourned and Tarling will appear again on May 23.