A Perth father has been accused of trying to smuggle a loaded revolver into the Family Court’s city building on Tuesday.

Court security staff allegedly spotted the handgun inside the man’s bag when it was put through an X-ray machine at the entry and quickly seized it before questioning him.

The West Australian has been told the man claimed the weapon — which had no serial number — was not able to be fired and he was just carrying it for his own protection.

It is understood the father was allowed to attend a custody hearing — the reason he had been at the courthouse — before he was arrested and charged.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, did not apply for bail when he faced another court yesterday on firearm and other charges. A police prosecutor foreshadowed that the matter might go up to the District Court because of the seriousness of the allegations.

“It was a handgun with no serial number. We do have serious concerns,” he told the court.

The court was also told that the man was initially listed to appear in the Family Violence Court but they had not felt comfortable having him in the courtroom and he was instead kept in the secure custody area to face the overnight arrest court.

The father was remanded in custody and the case adjourned so he could seek legal advice.

He is expected to appear again on June 27 by video link in the Family Violence Court.

A Department of Justice spokeswoman said security measures worked as they should to protect WA court users, with the item quickly identified as a result of the screening process at the Family Court.